Which term refers to rocky or metallic bodies in space that often orbit between planets?

Which term refers to rocky or metallic bodies in space that often orbit between planets?

• A. Comets
• B. Planets
• C. Stars
• D. Asteroids

Answer: (D)

Small rocky or metallic bodies that orbit the Sun are called asteroids. They are much smaller than planets and mostly reside in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, though some travel closer to Earth or farther outward. Asteroids formed from the leftover building material of the early solar system and never became a full planet because Jupiter’s gravity prevented them from coalescing. This distinguishes them from comets, which are icy and develop tails near the Sun; from planets, which are larger and have significant atmospheres or geology; and from stars, which are massive luminous bodies. So the term that fits is asteroids.

Small rocky or metallic bodies that orbit the Sun are called asteroids. They are much smaller than planets and mostly reside in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, though some travel closer to Earth or farther outward. Asteroids formed from the leftover building material of the early solar system and never became a full planet because Jupiter’s gravity prevented them from coalescing. This distinguishes them from comets, which are icy and develop tails near the Sun; from planets, which are larger and have significant atmospheres or geology; and from stars, which are massive luminous bodies. So the term that fits is asteroids.