26283

26283 is a minor planet located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 27, 1999, by astronomers at the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) program, a collaborative project between NASA and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) aimed at identifying potentially hazardous asteroids and other near-Earth objects.

The asteroid has an estimated diameter of approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) and follows an orbit that takes about 3.6 years to complete. Its distance from the Sun ranges from roughly 2.1 astronomical units (AU) at perihelion (closest approach) to about 3.1 AU at aphelion (farthest point). With an orbital inclination of around 1.5 degrees relative to Earth’s orbit, 26283 remains relatively stable in its path.

Little is known about its physical properties, but it is classified as a member of the main-belt asteroids, likely composed of silicate materials. Its designation follows the naming conventions of the Minor Planet Center, where numbers are assigned sequentially based on discovery date. Unlike numbered asteroids with official names, 26283 lacks a formal designation, retaining its provisional catalog number.

Research on 26283 is limited, as it is not considered a near-Earth object or a significant threat. However, studies of similar asteroids contribute to broader understanding of the solar system’s formation and the distribution of rocky bodies in the asteroid belt. Observations from telescopes and space missions occasionally provide data on its brightness and rotational characteristics, though detailed analysis remains minimal.