Asteroid 3200 Phaethon is a near-Earth object classified as a Apollo-type asteroid. It was discovered in 1983 and is known for its unusual orbit, which brings it close to the Sun. Phaethon is about 5.8 kilometers in diameter and is considered a potential parent body of the Geminid meteor shower. Unlike most asteroids, Phaethon exhibits characteristics similar to a comet, including a dust trail. Its orbit takes it through the inner solar system, where it experiences significant heating. This heating may cause the asteroid to shed material, contributing to the meteor shower observed each December.