37440

37440 is a minor planet located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 24, 1960, by the Dutch astronomer Cornelis Johannes van Houten, Ingrid van Houten-Groeneveld, and Tom Gehrels during the Palomar–Leiden Trojan Survey. The asteroid was named after the Dutch astronomer and mathematician Adriaan van Maanen, though the exact reasoning behind the name remains unclear.

37440 has an estimated diameter of approximately 10 kilometers and orbits the Sun at an average distance of about 3.1 astronomical units (AU), taking roughly 5.5 years to complete one orbit. Its orbit is relatively stable, with a low inclination of around 1.5 degrees relative to the ecliptic plane. The asteroid belongs to the main belt’s inner region, classified as an S-type, indicating a stony composition rich in silicates.

Observations suggest that 37440 has a rotation period of about 6.5 hours, meaning it completes a full spin on its axis in that timeframe. Due to its relatively small size and distance from Earth, it is not easily visible to amateur astronomers without specialized equipment. The asteroid has not been extensively studied beyond basic orbital and physical characteristics, and no missions have targeted it for closer examination.

While 37440 is not considered a significant threat to Earth, its classification as a near-Earth object (NEO) is sometimes debated due to its proximity to the inner solar system’s orbital dynamics. However, its trajectory does not bring it close enough to pose any risk of collision with our planet. Astronomers continue to monitor minor planets like 37440 to better understand the composition and distribution of the asteroid belt.