Asteroids

An asteroid is a small, rocky object that orbits the Sun. They are remnants from the early formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size from small boulders to objects that are hundreds of kilometers in diameter.

Characteristics of Asteroids

• Composition: Most asteroids are made of rock and metal, but some also contain organic compounds and water ice.
• Size: Asteroids can range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter.
• Orbital Path: They orbit the Sun in a variety of paths, with some crossing the orbits of planets.
• Impact Potential: Due to their orbits, some asteroids have the potential to collide with Earth, posing a threat to our planet.

Study Guide

1. What are asteroids and where are they found?
2. What is the composition of most asteroids?
3. What is the size range of asteroids?
4. What is the potential impact of some asteroids on Earth?

Exploration and Research

Scientists have studied asteroids using both ground-based telescopes and spacecraft. Missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx and Japan's Hayabusa2 have visited asteroids to collect samples and study their composition. Understanding asteroids is important for planetary defense and for learning more about the early solar system.