During the formation of our solar system, hundreds of thousands of particles were pulled by Jupiter’s gravity rather than being spread out through space. These minor planets, or asteroids, are the products of the protoplanetary disc – dense rings of gas surrounding a newly formed star.
Most asteroids orbit within an area between Jupiter and Mars known as the asteroid belt. These relatively small objects look like tiny specks of light from earth, if they are visible at all. For decades scientists tried to identify specific asteroids, but it wasn’t until 1801 when Giuseppe Piazzi identified the first asteroid: 1 Ceres. As of April, 2006, 330,795 asteroids have been named, and we are constantly finding more.
The possible impact of asteroids and comets with the Earth’s surface could be catastrophic. We need only refer to the extinction of dinosaurs to illustrate this reality. Scientists have made efforts to more closely observe asteroids and detect possible threats.
Beginning with the first close-up images in 1991 by the probe Galileo, we continue to make new efforts of discovery. The three most potentially dangerous groups of asteroids are Apollos, Amors, and Atens. We are also able to learn about asteroid impact from the effects they have had on other planets and their satellites.
To find out more about asteroids, comets, or any other magnificent part of space, click on any of the images, articles and other interactive resources below.