Ceres: The Dwarf Planet

Ceres is a dwarf planet located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered by Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi in 1801 and is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture.

Physical Characteristics

Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt and is classified as a dwarf planet. It has a diameter of about 940 kilometers (about 585 miles) and is composed of rock and ice. Its surface is covered with a mixture of water ice and various hydrated minerals, giving it a highly reflective surface.

Exploration

NASA's Dawn spacecraft was the first to visit Ceres, arriving in orbit around the dwarf planet in March 2015. The spacecraft provided valuable insights into Ceres' composition, surface features, and the presence of water ice. Its mission ended in 2018, but the data collected continues to be analyzed by scientists.

Study Guide

1. What is Ceres?

Ceres is a dwarf planet located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

2. Who discovered Ceres?

Ceres was discovered by Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi in 1801.

3. What is Ceres composed of?

Ceres is composed of rock and ice, with a surface covered in water ice and hydrated minerals.

4. What spacecraft visited Ceres?

NASA's Dawn spacecraft visited Ceres, providing valuable data about the dwarf planet.

Studying Ceres provides insights into the formation and composition of objects in the asteroid belt and the outer solar system. It also contributes to our understanding of the potential for water ice and other resources in space.