Asteroids - Page 12

Asteroids are small rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, primarily found in a region known as the asteroid belt situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. They vary widely in size, shape, and composition, ranging from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter. Asteroids are remnants from the early solar system, formed about 4.6 billion years ago, and they are composed mainly of metals and non-metallic minerals. Unlike planets, asteroids do not have atmospheres, and many are irregularly shaped due to their relatively small size. They are of significant interest in astronomy and planetary science, as studying asteroids can provide insight into the conditions and processes that shaped the early solar system. Some asteroids have even been identified as potentially hazardous to Earth due to their orbits.