Exploring Ceres: A Study Guide

What is Ceres?

Ceres is a dwarf planet and the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It was the first asteroid to be discovered, and it was classified as a planet for 50 years before being reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.

Physical Characteristics

Ceres has a diameter of about 940 kilometers, making it the largest object in the asteroid belt. It is composed of rock and ice, and it is thought to have a rocky core and an icy mantle. Ceres is also the only dwarf planet in the inner solar system and has a very thin atmosphere.

Discovery and Exploration

Ceres was discovered by Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi in 1801. It was visited by NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which orbited the dwarf planet from 2015 to 2018. Dawn's mission provided valuable insights into Ceres' surface features, composition, and the presence of water ice in its permanently shadowed regions.

Interesting Facts

1. Ceres is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture.
2. It is the only dwarf planet located in the inner solar system.
3. Ceres is the closest dwarf planet to Earth, and it is visible with binoculars or a small telescope.

Study Questions

1. What is Ceres, and where is it located in the solar system?
2. How was Ceres discovered, and what is its significance in the study of celestial bodies?
3. What are the physical characteristics of Ceres, and what makes it unique compared to other objects in the asteroid belt?
4. What did the Dawn spacecraft mission reveal about Ceres, and how has it contributed to our understanding of this dwarf planet?
5. Why is Ceres named after the Roman goddess of agriculture, and what is its relevance in mythology and astronomy?

By exploring the fascinating world of Ceres, we gain a deeper understanding of the diverse and dynamic nature of our solar system.