4524

4524 is a minor planet located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 16, 1982, by American astronomer Edward L. G. Bowell at the Anderson Mesa Station of the Lowell Observatory in Arizona. The asteroid was named after the 1982 film *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, reflecting its fictional extraterrestrial theme.

4524 has an estimated diameter of approximately 3.5 kilometers and orbits the Sun once every 3.4 years. Its orbit is relatively stable, with a low inclination of about 1.5 degrees relative to the ecliptic plane. The asteroid belongs to the Flora family, a group of stony asteroids that share similar orbital characteristics and likely originated from a single parent body.

Observations indicate that 4524 has a dark surface with an albedo (reflectivity) of around 0.07, suggesting it is composed of carbonaceous materials. Its spectral classification is likely C-type, meaning it contains significant amounts of carbon compounds. This type of asteroid is common in the outer asteroid belt and is thought to be primitive, retaining little chemical alteration since the formation of the solar system.

While 4524 is not well-studied compared to larger or more prominent asteroids, it serves as an example of the diverse population of minor planets in the solar system. Its naming convention also highlights the occasional creative approach taken by astronomers when selecting designations for newly discovered celestial objects.