What category do asteroids belong to in the context of the solar system?

Asteroids are best categorized as minor planets. They primarily orbit the Sun in the inner solar system, specifically within the asteroid belt, which is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This region is filled with rocky bodies that range in size from small boulders to objects that can be hundreds of kilometers in diameter.

In understanding this categorization, it is important to note that asteroids are distinct from the major planets in the solar system. Unlike the gas giants and terrestrial planets, asteroids are smaller in size and generally made up of rock and metal, fitting their classification as minor planets. This term encompasses not only asteroids but also other small celestial bodies that do not qualify as full-fledged planets.

While the inner solar system is home to a range of celestial objects, including terrestrial planets, asteroids occupy a unique position that highlights their characteristics and composition, differentiating them from the more massive planets and gas giants found in the outer solar system.