79372

The identifier "79372" is primarily associated with astronomical and space-related contexts, particularly within the field of minor planet designation. It refers to a small body in the outer region of the Solar System, classified as a trans-Neptunian object (TNO). This object was discovered on August 22, 1997, by astronomers working at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii, part of the Deep Ecliptic Survey (DES), a program aimed at mapping the Kuiper Belt.

Designated as **79372 (2003 MH5)**, the object is also known by its provisional name. It is categorized as a plutino, meaning its orbit resonates with Neptune in a 2:3 ratio, similar to Pluto. This resonance helps stabilize its orbit and keeps it from colliding with Neptune. The object is estimated to have a diameter of approximately 200 kilometers, though precise measurements can vary based on observational data and assumptions about its albedo (reflectivity).

Little is known about the physical properties of 79372 (2003 MH5) beyond its orbital characteristics. Like many TNOs, it is believed to be composed of ices and frozen volatiles, possibly including methane, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide, along with silicate rock. Its surface composition and geology remain largely unobserved due to its distance and small size. The object lies in the scattered disk region, a dynamic area where objects are influenced by gravitational interactions with Neptune and other massive bodies.

Research into 79372 (2003 MH5) contributes to broader studies of the Kuiper Belt, offering insights into the early Solar System’s formation and the distribution of icy bodies beyond Neptune. Future observations, particularly from missions like NASA’s *New Horizons* or upcoming telescopic surveys, may provide additional details about this distant object.