24370

24370 is a designation used in various contexts, most notably in the field of astronomy and space exploration. It refers to the catalog number assigned to an asteroid discovered in the early 21st century. The asteroid, officially named **24370 Pallas**, is one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was first observed by astronomer Heinrich Olbers in 1802 and was the second asteroid ever discovered after Ceres. The number 24370, however, is not commonly associated with this asteroid in modern references, as it retains its original designation (4) Pallas.

In another context, 24370 may appear in military or aviation terminology as a reference to a specific aircraft or unit designation, though this usage is less common and not widely documented. The number could also appear in other technical or administrative systems, such as part numbers, serial codes, or project identifiers, depending on the industry or organization.

The asteroid 4 Pallas itself is notable for its irregular shape and significant size, measuring approximately 512 kilometers (318 miles) in diameter. It is classified as a carbonaceous asteroid and is believed to contain a substantial amount of water ice and organic compounds. Pallas orbits the Sun once every 4.6 years and has a highly inclined orbit relative to the ecliptic plane, making it distinct from many other main-belt asteroids. Due to its historical significance and scientific interest, it remains an object of study in planetary science.