What is Asteroids: Definition and 65 Discussions

An asteroid is a minor planet of the inner Solar System. Historically, these terms have been applied to any astronomical object orbiting the Sun that did not resolve into a disc in a telescope and was not observed to have characteristics of an active comet such as a tail. As minor planets in the outer Solar System were discovered that were found to have volatile-rich surfaces similar to comets, these came to be distinguished from the objects found in the main asteroid belt. The term "asteroid" refers to the minor planets of the inner Solar System, including those co-orbital with Jupiter. Larger asteroids are often called planetoids.

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  1. M

    Collisional model of asteroids and their debris

    Can anyone send me this article? its urgent! Title: Collisional model of asteroids and their debris Authors: Dohnanyi, J. S. Publication: J. Geophys. Res., vol. 74, p. 2431-2554 (1969). (JGR Homepage) Publication Date: 00/1969 Origin: AP Bibliographic Code...
  2. T

    The physics of the classic game Asteroids

    I am currently in 9th grade and am a programmer, however trigonometry is next year... You could probably consider the engine of Asteroids "basic physics", so will post it here... Sorry if this is in the wrong section. I am creating the classic arcade game Asteroids with XNA Game Studio by...
  3. P

    Uses of Asteroids: Incredible Potential for Space Exploration

    I just read that asteroids have uses? I was simply stunned.I always thought them to be killers from space!It has been suggested that the asteroids might be used in the future as a source of materials which may be rare or exhausted on Earth or materials for constructing space habitats! Materials...
  4. O

    Early Warning against Killer -Asteroids - current state, ideas

    Early Warning against "Killer"-Asteroids - current state, ideas.. Here I would like to discuss any current or future early warning system against "Killer"-Asteroids, i.e. asteroids that might cause major damage to earth. My main interest is not so much in asteroids like Apophis that are...
  5. A

    Elastic collision of two asteroids

    Homework Statement Two asteroids of equal mass in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter collide with a glancing blow. Asteroid A, which was initially traveling at 40.0 m/s, is deflected 30.0\circ from its original direction, while asteroid B travels at 45.0 \circ to the original...
  6. T

    Density of Asteroids, Escape Velcoity and Jumping

    [SOLVED] Density of Asteroids, Escape Velcoity and Jumping Homework Statement The question wants to know the maximum radius of an asteroid that you can escape from by simply jumpibng off. The Variables given: densities = 2500 kg/m cubed radii = 470km downwards height of jump = 1m...
  7. E

    Jovian Planets, Asteroids, and The Sun-

    Once again I have no idea what my physics professor is asking- I am not asking for direct answers necessarily but any help is much appreciated! http://www.physics.utah.edu/~cassiday/p1050/homework06.html
  8. I

    Asteroid Momentum & Starbase Alpha Impact

    An asteroid is spotted moving directly toward the center of Starbase Alpha. The frightened residents fire a missile at the asteriod, which breaks it into two chunks, one with 2.4 times the mass of the other. The chunks both pass the starbase at the same time. If the lighter chunk passes 1800 m...
  9. D

    Alternative Solutions to Deflecting Asteroids or Comets From Earth

    As most now accept an astroid or comet ended the reign of the dinosaurs. Hollywood's idea of dealing with the threat is to fly crews to the object and blow it up. NASA's solution involves mass drivers, impact airbags of gases and dust, lasers, solar saiks and etc. **Throwing out Hollywood's...
  10. tony873004

    Gravitational tractor for towing asteroids

    Tex doesn't seem to work in preview mode anymore. So sorry for the hard-to-read formulas. In a paper recently published astronauts Edward T. Lu and Stanley G. Love propose using a spaceship as a "gravitational tractor for towing asteroids"...
  11. J

    Form and Features of Asteroids and Neutron Stars

    What are the forces that give asteroids their shapes? And what shape do neutron stars that do not rotate around its axis have?
  12. Ivan Seeking

    Science’s doomsday team vs. the asteroids

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7436624/
  13. Loren Booda

    Will the asteroids eventually (re)form a 10th planet?

    Despite Jupiter's gravitational tides, is the asteroid belt gradually coalescing into a planet(esimal) to rival Mercury (and Pluto) in size?
  14. R

    Can an Asteroid Really Destroy Earth in 800 Years?

    I have seen many movies relating to the destruction of the Earth from space rocks and asteroids. Sometimes I think our planet might be attacked by such things. Even more I heard that scientist have observed an asteroid heading to Earth and might crash after about 800 years. Can this ever happen?
  15. C

    Do many asteroids contain materials useful to civilization in abundance?

    I don't know if this is the correct section or not, but I'll let hosts and mentors decide that. My question comes as a result of hearing a number of things floating around as to the possibility of mining asteroids for materiasl valuable to space colonies. Do many asteroids contain...
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