50346

50346 is a minor planet located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on September 25, 1992, by astronomers at the Palomar Observatory in California, United States. The object was officially named after the astronomer **Brian A. Skiff**, who contributed significantly to the study of asteroids and comets. The designation 50346 was assigned as part of the systematic numbering system used by the Minor Planet Center, an organization that tracks small solar system bodies.

50346 has an estimated diameter of approximately 3.5 kilometers and orbits the Sun once every 4.3 years. Its orbit is relatively stable, with a low inclination and eccentricity, meaning it does not come close to the major planets. The asteroid belongs to the Flora family, a group of stony asteroids that share similar orbital characteristics and composition.

Observations suggest that 50346 has a stony composition, likely composed of silicates, which is typical of S-type asteroids. Its surface properties have been studied through photometric measurements, which analyze variations in brightness as the asteroid rotates. However, detailed spectral analysis or close-up imaging remains limited, as no spacecraft has visited it.

50346 is of interest to astronomers studying the distribution and dynamics of asteroids in the main belt. Its classification as an S-type asteroid also makes it a subject of interest for understanding the early solar system’s mineralogical composition. While not a well-known object among the general public, it remains an important part of the broader study of celestial mechanics and planetary science.