krótkoteroid

Krótkoteroid is a fictional term used in speculative astronomy and science fiction to describe a class of very small, asteroid-like bodies defined by short orbital periods and rapid rotation. It is not an established category in real-world astronomy, but serves as a conceptual tool for exploring the physics of tiny, fast-spinning bodies in planetary systems.

Etymology and description. The name blends krótk, the Polish word for short, with the suffix -oid from asteroid. In representative worldbuilding sketches, krótkoteroids are typically tens of meters across and spin with periods shorter than about two hours, creating strong centrifugal forces that affect surface features and potential regolith behavior.

Formation and dynamics. Authors and researchers attribute their origin to fragmentation of larger parent bodies or to capture and rapid inward migration within dense debris fields. Their small mass and high surface gravity lead to high surface stresses during spin-up, influencing surface morphology, potential outgassing in volatile-rich variants, and challenges for spacecraft operations.

Observational and practical aspects. In fiction or speculative discussions, krótkoteroids are challenging to detect due to their small size and rapid motion, yet they may be considered for resource extraction in futuristic mining scenarios or as hazards for planetary defense simulations because of their high kinetic energy on impact despite their modest size.