Asteroids

Definition

Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size and shape, with some being large enough to be considered dwarf planets if they were spherical.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Most asteroids are located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
2. Asteroids are composed mainly of rock and metal.
3. Ceres is the largest asteroid in the asteroid belt and is also classified as a dwarf planet.
4. Some asteroids have moons or even form binary systems where two asteroids orbit each other.
5. The impact of an asteroid is believed to have contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Review Questions

• Where is the majority of asteroids in our solar system located?
• What materials primarily make up asteroids?
• What distinguishes Ceres from other objects in the asteroid belt?

Related terms

Comets: Icy bodies that release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a tail as they approach the Sun.

Meteorites: Fragments of asteroids or comets that survive passage through Earth's atmosphere and land on its surface.

Planetary Defense: Strategies and technologies developed to detect, track, and potentially deflect hazardous near-Earth objects.