An asteroid is a minor planet —an object larger than a meteoroid (thus 1 meter or larger) that is neither a planet nor an identified comet —that orbits within the inner Solar System or is co-orbital with Jupiter (Trojan asteroids). Asteroids are rocky, metallic, or icy bodies with no atmosphere, and are broadly classified into C-type (carbonaceous), M-type (metallic), or S-type ... Explore the 3D world of Asteroids, Comets and NEOs.

Understanding the Context

Learn about past and future missions, tracking and predicting orbits, and close approaches to Earth. Asteroid, any of a host of small bodies, about 1,000 km (600 miles) or less in diameter, that orbit the Sun primarily between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter in a nearly flat ring called the asteroid belt. Hundreds of thousands of asteroids are known. A rare stargazing spectacle will unfold on Friday, , as the asteroid Apophis passes closer than satellites over Europe and Africa.

Key Insights

'God of Chaos' asteroid Apophis will blaze across the sky in 2029 An asteroid the size of three football fields will pass near Earth in three years, giving scientists a rare chance to study a colossal space rock from close range. Named Apophis — after the ... "God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says The Apophis asteroid, once feared to hit Earth, is less than three years from making an unprecedented approach toward Earth. Here's what to know. Discover which asteroids, including Vesta and Pallas, are visible tonight.

Final Thoughts

Check their location, brightness, and best viewing times to observe them in the sky. What are asteroids, where do they come from and how can you see an asteroid in the night sky? A guide to these fascinating space rocks. What is an asteroid? A beginner's guide to the spacerocks and where ...