243001

243001 is a minor planet in the outer region of the asteroid belt, approximately 10 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered on 12 February 2006, by astronomers at the Palomar Observatory in California, United States. The asteroid is part of the Themis family, a large group of asteroids that share similar orbital elements. The Themis family is believed to have originated from a catastrophic collision between two larger asteroids.

The orbit of 243001 is relatively stable, with a semi-major axis of approximately 3.1 astronomical units (AU) and an eccentricity of about 0.05. Its orbital period is roughly 5.5 Earth years. The asteroid has a rotation period of about 5.7 hours and a low albedo, indicating a dark surface composition likely rich in carbonaceous material.

243001 has been the subject of several studies aimed at understanding the dynamics and composition of the Themis family. Its spectral characteristics suggest a C-type asteroid, which is common among carbonaceous asteroids. The study of such asteroids provides valuable insights into the early solar system and the processes that shaped it.