Asetoiden

Asetoiden, also known as asteroids, are rocky, airless remnants left over from the early formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. They are primarily composed of minerals and rocks, and vary greatly in size, from tiny specks of dust to massive bodies hundreds of kilometers across. The largest asteroid, Ceres, is so large that it is also classified as a dwarf planet.

Asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region of space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, where the gravitational influence of Jupiter prevents them from coalescing into a planet. They are also found in other regions of the solar system, including the Kuiper belt and the scattered disc beyond Neptune's orbit.

The study of asteroids, known as asteroid science, involves understanding their composition, origin, and evolution. This can provide insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system, as well as the potential resources they may contain. Asteroids have also been proposed as potential targets for human exploration and resource extraction.

Despite their small size, asteroids can pose a significant threat to Earth. Many have impacted the planet in the past, causing significant damage and extinction-level events. The study of asteroid impacts and the development of strategies to mitigate their risks is an active area of research.