78624

The designation "78624" is primarily associated with the asteroid **1995 YA**, a near-Earth object (NEO) discovered on December 15, 1995, by astronomers at the Spacewatch program at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. After its initial observation, the asteroid was given the provisional designation **1995 YA** before being officially numbered and named by the Minor Planet Center. It was later cataloged as **78624 (1995 YA)** in the Minor Planet Center’s database.

78624 (1995 YA) is classified as an Apollo-type asteroid, meaning its orbit crosses that of Earth and has a semi-major axis greater than 1 astronomical unit (AU). With an estimated diameter of approximately 1.3 kilometers, it is considered a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) due to its size and proximity to Earth’s orbit. However, its orbit does not pose an imminent threat, as current trajectory models indicate no significant risk of collision with Earth in the foreseeable future.

The asteroid’s orbit has been extensively studied, and its orbital period is about 1.2 years. It is one of many near-Earth objects monitored by space agencies and observatories to assess potential future risks. While 78624 (1995 YA) is not currently a major focus of planetary defense efforts, its classification highlights the importance of ongoing astronomical surveillance to detect and track potentially hazardous space objects.

Beyond its astronomical significance, 78624 (1995 YA) serves as an example of the thousands of NEOs being cataloged to better understand the dynamics of the solar system and mitigate any potential risks to Earth. Its designation remains a reference point in studies of asteroid dynamics and planetary defense strategies.