36692

36692 is a near-Earth asteroid discovered on December 29, 1998, by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) program. It is classified as an Apollo-type asteroid, meaning its orbit crosses that of Earth and has a semi-major axis greater than 1 astronomical unit (AU). The asteroid has an estimated diameter of approximately 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) and is considered a potentially hazardous object (PHO) due to its size and proximity to Earth’s orbit.

36692 follows an elliptical orbit around the Sun with a period of about 1.3 years. Its closest approach to Earth, known as a close encounter, occurs periodically, with the most recent significant pass happening on January 15, 2023, when it came within about 0.045 AU (6.7 million kilometers or 4.2 million miles). While such encounters are not uncommon, the asteroid’s size and trajectory warrant monitoring by space agencies and observatories.

The asteroid’s designation follows the naming conventions of the Minor Planet Center, where numbers are assigned sequentially based on discovery date. Unlike numbered asteroids, 36692 has not yet been officially named, as the process requires further study and confirmation by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Its orbit has been extensively tracked using radar observations, optical telescopes, and space-based instruments to assess any potential future risks.

Researchers continue to analyze 36692 to better understand its composition, rotational characteristics, and long-term orbital dynamics. While the current trajectory suggests no imminent collision with Earth, ongoing observations help refine predictions and improve planetary defense strategies. The asteroid serves as an example of the ongoing efforts to catalog and study near-Earth objects (NEOs) that could pose a theoretical threat in the future.