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Minor bodies include asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. |
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There is no clear definition of an asteroid. In the solar system, these are largely found in the asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter. These are chiefly rocky or iron bodies.
Comets originate with small, icy bodies either in an asteroid-like belt called the Kuiper belt beyond the orbit of Neptune, or even further in a region called the Oort cloud. These are chiefly icy bodies: when their orbit enters the inner system, they become comets.
Meteoroids are small bodies mostly composed of rock. These are chiefly remnants of either asteroids or comets. When they enter the earth's atmosphere, they become meteors.
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Physics including mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity theory, quantum theory, and the structure of matter is vital to the examination of minor bodies. Chemistry is also vital to the examination of minor bodies. There are connections to the interplanetary medium, solar planetary systems, the sun, and solar system history and to stellar astronomy. Galactic astronomy and cosmology are less directly useful. Earth science and biology may also be significant. |
Links to other sites: Not yet available. |
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The connections of personal studies, anthropology, culture, institutions, sociology, and history to these studies will be explored in more detail as the site develops. |
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