Asteroids: Small, Rocky Objects in Our Solar System
NASA defines asteroids as small, rocky objects that orbit the sun, similar to planets but much smaller in size. Most asteroids are found in the main asteroid belt, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
What are Asteroids?
Asteroids are remnants from the formation of our solar system, which began about 4.6 billion years ago. They are irregular in shape and vary in size, with some being hundreds of miles in diameter and others as small as pebbles.
How were Asteroids Formed?
Asteroids were formed at different places and distances from the Sun, and they are not like planets in shape. They are irregular in shape and vary in size.
NASA’s Asteroid Mission
Asteroids can provide valuable information about the history of the solar system. NASA has launched several space missions to study asteroids, including the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft, which landed on Eros in 2001, and the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which studied Bennu and returned a sample of dust and rocks to Earth in 2023.
Reference : https://www.dnaindia.com/science/report-what-are-asteroids-where-do-they-come-from-this-nasa-mission-brings-samples-of-asteroid-3146056