23701

23701 refers to a specific designation used in various contexts, most notably in astronomy and space exploration. It is the catalog number assigned to an asteroid in the main belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This asteroid was discovered on October 27, 1997, by astronomers at the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) program in New Mexico, USA. The object is classified as a member of the Flora family, a group of stony asteroids that share similar orbital characteristics and composition.

The asteroid has an estimated diameter of approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) and orbits the Sun once every 3.6 years. Its orbit is relatively stable, with a low inclination and eccentricity, meaning it does not pose a significant threat of colliding with Earth. Observations suggest it has a dark surface, typical of many carbonaceous chondrite asteroids, which are rich in organic compounds and minerals.

Beyond astronomy, the number 23701 has appeared in other contexts, such as naming conventions or reference codes in scientific studies, databases, or even fictional works. However, its most recognized use remains in the astronomical community, where it serves as a unique identifier for this particular asteroid. Further research and observations continue to refine its orbital parameters and physical properties, contributing to broader understanding of the solar system’s minor bodies.