494499

494499 is the numeric designation assigned to a small body in the solar system, classified as a minor planet by the Minor Planet Center (MPC). The designation indicates that the object's orbit was sufficiently well determined to be officially numbered, a step that typically follows its discovery and multiple subsequent observations.

Discovery and naming: The discovery details are recorded by the discovering team and the MPC. After orbit confirmation, the object receives a number; the discoverers may propose a name, subject to IAU approval. Many numbered minor planets remain unnamed.

Orbit and physical characteristics: The orbit and basic physical parameters for 494499 are published in public databases such as the MPC and the JPL Small-Body Database. These databases provide orbital elements (semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination) and, where available, estimates of diameter, albedo, rotation period, and spectral type. For most objects in this numeric range, direct measurements are limited and sizes are inferred from brightness and assumed albedos.

Classification: Most objects with high-number designations reside in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, though some belong to near-Earth or other populations. The precise classification for 494499 is recorded in the MPC/JPL databases.

Current status: As of the latest catalogs, 494499 may or may not have a formal name; if unnamed, it is commonly referred to by its number.

See also: Minor planet; list of minor planets; Minor Planet Center; JPL Small-Body Database.