Asteroids

Asteroids are small, rocky bodies 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, composed mostly of metal and rock, and vary greatly in size, shape, and composition. While some asteroids are only a few meters across, others can be hundreds of kilometers in diameter. Unlike planets, they do not have atmospheres and can have irregular shapes. Asteroids are classified based on their composition into three main types: carbonaceous (C-type), silicate (S-type), and metallic (M-type). They are of particular interest to scientists as they may hold clues about the solar system’s formation and evolution. Some asteroids can come close to Earth and are monitored for potential impact threats.