ASTEROID TYPES

The differences between four main categories of these space rocks explained

253 Mathilde C-type Carbonaceous They’re so dark due to their carbon-black surfaces that even the largest require a telescope to detect. They consist mostly of clay and silicate rocks and account for more than 75 per cent of all asteroids. Most of these ancient space rocks orbit in the outermost regions of the asteroid belt. 433 Eros S-type Stony This class of asteroids orbit the inner asteroid belt and are primarily composed of stony materials, metallic nickel-iron as well as iron and magnesium silicates. S-types are the second most common asteroids and are also among the brightest – some larger examples, such as 7 Iris, can be spotted with binoculars. 21 Lutetia M-type Metallic M-types are pure metal, or mixtures of metal and small amounts of stone, and have originated…

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All About Space Annual (Digital) - 1 Issue, All About Space Annual (2024)

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