39001

39001 is a numerical identifier that appears in various contexts, most notably within the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Minor Planet Center designation system for asteroids and comets. The designation "39001" refers to a specific asteroid discovered on January 1, 1981, by astronomers at the Palomar Observatory in California. This asteroid is officially named **1981 EA16** before receiving its permanent number in the IAU’s catalog.

The object orbits the Sun in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, with an orbital period of approximately 5.2 years. Its diameter is estimated to be around 4 kilometers, and it belongs to the S-type (stony) asteroid class, which suggests a composition rich in silicates. Observations indicate that 39001 has a relatively stable orbit with a low inclination relative to the ecliptic plane.

Beyond astronomy, "39001" has also been referenced in popular culture, notably in the 2001 film *The Martian* (2015), where it appears as a fictional NASA mission designation. However, this usage is purely fictional and unrelated to the actual asteroid.

The Minor Planet Center maintains detailed records of 39001, including its orbital elements, physical characteristics, and observational history. Astronomers continue to monitor such objects to better understand the dynamics and composition of the asteroid belt.