87 Sylvia

Asteroid 87 Sylvia, discovered on May 16, 1866, by the French astronomer N. R. Pogson, stands out due to its unique characteristics, notably being a binary asteroid system. Named after Rhea Sylvia, a mythical figure associated with the birth of Rome, Sylvia has an estimated diameter of around 385 kilometers (239 miles). What sets Sylvia apart is its status as a binary system, consisting of a primary asteroid orbited by two smaller moons, Romulus and Remus, named after the mythical twins linked to the founding of Rome. This makes Sylvia one of the few known triple systems in the asteroid belt, providing scientists with an opportunity to study such complex formations.