Phocaea

Phocaea is a small group of asteroids located in the inner region of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These asteroids share similar orbital characteristics, such as being eccentric (elongated) and inclined (tilted) relative to the plane of the solar system. They are thought to have originated from a common source, possibly a larger parent body that broke apart long ago. Studying Phocaea helps scientists understand the history and dynamics of the asteroid belt, as well as the processes that shape small bodies in our solar system.