23368

23368 is a minor planet located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 16, 1977, by the American astronomer Eleanor F. Helin at the Palomar Observatory in California. The asteroid is classified as a member of the Flora family, a group of asteroids that share similar orbital characteristics and spectral properties, indicating a common origin.

23368 has an estimated diameter of approximately 4.5 kilometers, based on its absolute magnitude. Its orbit is relatively stable, with an eccentricity of 0.13 and an inclination of 5.5 degrees relative to the ecliptic plane. The asteroid completes one orbit around the Sun every 3.62 years.

The spectral classification of 23368 is S-type, which means it has a stony composition, similar to many other asteroids in the main belt. This classification is based on the analysis of its reflectance spectrum, which shows a relatively flat and featureless profile, characteristic of S-type asteroids.

The asteroid's name, "23368," is its provisional designation in the Minor Planet Center's database. It has not been named after a particular person, place, or mythological figure, unlike many other asteroids that bear names related to their discoverers or specific cultural references. As of now, 23368 remains an unnamed minor planet, and its official name, if any, has not been assigned.

In summary, 23368 is a small, stony asteroid located in the main asteroid belt, with an orbital period of approximately 3.62 years. It is a member of the Flora family and has not been named. The asteroid's discovery and classification provide valuable insights into the composition and dynamics of the main belt asteroids.