Asteroids

Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early solar system that never coalesced into planets, and they vary widely in size, shape, and composition. Most asteroids are irregularly shaped and can range from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter. They are composed primarily of metal and rock, and their surfaces often contain craters and grooves from impacts.

Asteroids are classified into different types based on their composition and orbits, including carbonaceous (C-type), silicate (S-type), and metallic (M-type) asteroids. While most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, some have orbits that cross Earth’s path and are classified as near-Earth asteroids. Studying asteroids is important for understanding the formation and evolution of the solar system, as well as for considering potential resources and hazards they might pose to Earth.