(17511) 1992 QN

(17511) 1992 QN is a minor planet designation. The "(17511)" prefix indicates that this object is asteroid number 17511 in the Minor Planet Center's catalog of numbered minor planets. "1992 QN" is its provisional designation assigned after its discovery.

The provisional designation follows a specific naming convention. "1992" indicates the year of discovery. The first letter, "Q," indicates the half-month of discovery within that year. In this system, "A" represents January 1-15, "B" represents January 16-31, and so on. "Q" therefore refers to the period of August 16-31. The second letter, "N," is the sequential letter indicating the order of discovery within that half-month. As such, "N" indicates the 14th asteroid discovered during the August 16-31, 1992 period.

Once a minor planet's orbit is well-determined through sufficient observations over a period of time, it receives a permanent number, in this case, 17511. Prior to that, it is only known by its provisional designation. After being numbered, it becomes eligible to be named by its discoverer, subject to approval by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). However, (17511) 1992 QN has not been formally named as of this writing, and is referred to by its number and provisional designation.

The physical properties and orbital characteristics of (17511) 1992 QN are determined through astronomical observations and calculations. This includes parameters such as its size, albedo (reflectivity), orbital period, and orbital elements (e.g., semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination). These data help astronomers understand the asteroid's origin and its place within the solar system.