(153591) 2001 SN263

(153591) 2001 SN263 is a triple asteroid system located in the main asteroid belt. Discovered on September 18, 2001, by the Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) program at Palomar Observatory, it is composed of a central primary asteroid (designated as (153591) 2001 SN263 A) and two smaller satellites orbiting it.

The primary component is estimated to be approximately 2.8 kilometers in diameter. The two satellites, designated (153591) 2001 SN263 B and (153591) 2001 SN263 C, are significantly smaller, measuring roughly 1.2 kilometers and 0.4 kilometers respectively.

The presence of multiple asteroids within the same system allows astronomers to study their orbital dynamics and physical properties, providing insights into the formation and evolution of asteroids in the main belt. The system has been studied using various techniques, including radar observations and lightcurve analysis, to determine its shape, rotation period, and orbital parameters.

Triple asteroid systems like (153591) 2001 SN263 are relatively rare compared to single or binary asteroids, making them valuable targets for astronomical research. They offer a unique opportunity to understand the processes of collisional breakup and gravitational interactions in the early solar system.