ASTEROIDS

MINOR PLANETS

Earth Science

Asteroids are relatively small, rocky

chunks of matter that shine like small stars,
but orbit the Sun like planets. Most asteroids,
or minor planets as they are sometimes
called, are made of carbon-rich rock, while
others (those farthest from the Sun) contain
iron, nickel, and a few other elements.

Earth Science

Earth Science

Earth Science

Earth Science

Earth Science

Asteroids are located mostly between

the orbit of Mars and Jupiter known as the
Asteroid belt.

Earth Science

Earth Science

Asteroids vary in size from 580 miles (940

kilometers) in diameter (Ceres, the first
asteroid discovered) to 33 feet (10 meters) in
diameter. Most are so small their size cannot
be measured directly. They are generally
irregular in shape and vary in brightness as
they rotate

Earth Science

Diameter
Name

km

mi

Average distance from

Sun (Earth = 1)

Orbital period
(yrs)

Ceres*

950

590

2.77

4.6

Pallas

532

330

2.77

4.6

Vesta

530

329

2.36

3.6

Hygiea

408

253

3.13

5.5

Davida

326

202

3.18

5.7

Interamnia

318

197

3.06

5.4

*The largest object in the asteroid belt, now classified as a dwarf planet.