Asteroids

The asteroid is one among the many rocks which encircle the sun. These rocks are shaped irregularly and are not uniform in structure and shape. Asteroids are- the tiny and rocky objects in outer space that orbit around the space, in addition to the orientation of other planets in the solar system are commonly known as Asteroids. These asteroids are also known as the Minor Planets. This is because asteroids are smaller when compared to other planets of the Solar System. 

In our Solar system, there are Lakhs and Lakhs of asteroids. This number has been estimated by Astronomers. These asteroids cannot be classified as a planet or comet. Their orbits around the Sun are commonly known as the Inner-solar system. However, Planetoids are the larger form of asteroids. Planetoids are different from the outer solar system minor planets with respect to their volatile surface, similar to that of Comets in the Solar System. These are known as the Asteroid Belts. 

Let us understand the meaning of asteroid  and its  definition elaborately.

Understanding

Asteroids are tiny, rocky objects in outer space that orbit around space, in addition to the orientation of other planets in the solar system. In order to understand the meaning and definition of Asteroids, we must look at the characteristics of these asteroids. 

Therefore, the characteristics of Asteroids are- 

• Distribution in Size: The asteroids vary greatly in terms of their size. It can be as large as 1000 km and as small as 1 meter. The four largest asteroids are- Ceres (939 km), Pallas (512 km), Hygiea (434 km), and Vesta (525 km). 
• Rotation: The rotation rate of the big asteroids in the asteroid belt points to an upper limit. There are very few asteroids that have a diameter of 100 meters and a rotation period of around 2 hours. 
• Composition: The composition of the asteroids is not known in a detailed manner. However, it is known that the physical composition varies greatly. Asteroids include- dark, volatile organic carbons., amino acids, and other organic compounds. Therefore, the composition has three basic sources. These sources- are a surface spectrum, density, and albedo. 
• Colour: Because of the space weathering, the colour of the asteroid’s changes. It gets darker and gains a more reddish colour, a fiery look. However, this happens rapidly. 

Classification

Let us move towards the classification of these asteroids. 

• Orbital Classification: Most of the asteroids in the solar system are classified on the basis of their orbital features. The groups of asteroids are quite held in a dynamical association; however, the dynamical associations of the families are comparatively tight and often result in catastrophic separation from parent asteroids. They are easily identified from the asteroid belt. 
• Spectral Classification: The asteroids are classified on the basis of their colour, albedo, or spectral shape, which is known as the Spectral classification. 

Let us look at the classification of asteroids with respect to their chemical composition. 

• S Type: The asteroids are pretty bright and include various components of iron and magnesium silicates. An example of this type can be Stony asteroid 433 Eros. 
• M Type: These categories have nickel and iron components, which are purest in nature. An example of this type can be 21 Lutetia.
• C Type: These categories are the most common type of asteroids. They dominate the outer portion of the asteroid belts. An example of this type can be 253 Mathilde. 

Let us look at some of the most interesting asteroid’s facts. 

Conclusion

An Asteroid is one among the many rocks which circle around the sun. The asteroid meaning also points to the fact that these rocks are shaped irregularly and are not uniform in structure and shape. The characteristics of these asteroids include colour, size, composition, Rotation, and composition. Most of the asteroids orbits around the Asteroids belts. Asteroid belts are a set of rings that are located between the orbits of Jupiter and the orbit of Mars.