23551

23551 is a minor planet in the asteroid belt, discovered on October 1, 1994, by astronomers Paul G. Comba and J. B. Child at the Palomar Observatory in California. It is part of the Eos family, a group of asteroids that share similar orbital elements, suggesting a common origin from a larger parent body that was disrupted by a collision.

The asteroid has an estimated diameter of approximately 10 kilometers and orbits the Sun with a semi-major axis of about 3.1 astronomical units (AU), completing one orbit every 5.5 Earth years. Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.12 and an inclination of 10.4 degrees relative to the ecliptic plane.

23551 has a relatively slow rotation period of about 12.5 hours. Spectroscopic observations have revealed that its surface is composed primarily of silicate minerals, which is typical for many asteroids in the inner main belt. The asteroid's spectral type is classified as S-type, indicating a stony composition.

The Eos family, to which 23551 belongs, is one of the largest and most populous asteroid families in the main belt. It is named after 221 Eos, the Greek goddess of the dawn, and is thought to have formed around 1 billion years ago. The family's members share similar orbital characteristics and spectral properties, suggesting a common origin and composition.

23551 is not a target for any specific space missions, but its study contributes to our understanding of the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt. Ongoing research and observations continue to provide valuable insights into the dynamics and composition of minor planets in our solar system.