99273

The designation **99273** refers to a minor planet in the outer region of the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Officially named **Furino**, it was discovered on October 2, 1981, by American astronomer Schelte J. Bus at the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. The object was initially designated **1981 TV1** before receiving its permanent number in the catalog of minor planets.

Furino orbits the Sun at an average distance of approximately 3.1 astronomical units (AU), completing one full revolution roughly every 5.5 years. Its orbit is moderately inclined (about 10 degrees) relative to the ecliptic plane, and it has an eccentricity that causes its distance from the Sun to vary slightly. The asteroid belongs to the outer main-belt population, sharing characteristics with other objects in that region.

The name **Furino** was assigned in honor of the Italian town of Furino, located in the Abruzzo region. The naming ceremony took place in 2003, recognizing the town’s cultural heritage. Furino itself is a small, irregularly shaped body with an estimated diameter of around 10 kilometers. Its surface composition is likely similar to other carbonaceous asteroids, though detailed spectroscopic analysis remains limited.

Furino is not classified as a potentially hazardous object, as its orbit does not bring it dangerously close to Earth. It is primarily studied as part of broader research into the dynamics and composition of the asteroid belt. Observations of such objects help astronomers understand the early solar system’s formation and the processes that shaped these ancient remnants.