574998

574998 is an asteroid located in the outer region of the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 24, 1996, by astronomers using the Spacewatch program at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, United States. The asteroid was given the provisional designation 1996 U1 before receiving its permanent number and name.

574998 is classified as a member of the outer main-belt asteroid population, which orbits the Sun at a distance of approximately 3.2 to 3.5 astronomical units (AU). Its orbital period is roughly 5.7 years, meaning it takes this amount of time to complete one full revolution around the Sun. The asteroid has an estimated diameter of about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), based on observations of its brightness and assumed albedo (reflectivity).

Little is known about the physical properties of 574998 beyond its size and orbital characteristics. It is not classified as a near-Earth object, meaning it does not come close enough to Earth to pose any significant risk of collision. The asteroid’s low inclination and eccentricity suggest a stable orbit with minimal deviation from a circular path.

Researchers continue to study asteroids like 574998 to better understand the composition and dynamics of the early solar system. While it does not have a named discoverer or a unique designation beyond its catalog number, it remains an important object in the study of asteroid distribution and behavior within the main belt.