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Planetary Science

Asteroid Belt

Definition

A region of the solar system between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids are found. Despite popular depictions, the belt is mostly empty space, with asteroids separated by large distances. Its total mass is less than 4% of the Moon.

Related Terms

Asteroid

A small rocky body orbiting the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Asteroids range from...

Ceres

The largest object in the asteroid belt and the only dwarf planet in the inner solar system. Ceres has a diameter of abo...

Orbit

The curved path of a celestial object around a star, planet, or moon under gravity's influence. Orbits can be circular, ...

Explore Related Topics

Dive deeper into asteroid belt and related concepts on Cosmos Observatory.

Solar System Explorer

Explore planets, moons, and orbital data.

Mars Rover Photos

Surface imagery from Curiosity and Perseverance.

Asteroid Tracker

Monitor near-Earth objects in real time.

Full Glossary

Browse all 66+ space and astronomy terms.

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