What is an asteroid and where do asteroids come from?

Asteroids are small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. Their sizes vary from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers, significantly smaller than planets. Unlike planets, asteroids do not have an atmosphere and usually have irregular shapes.

Most asteroids are located in the main asteroid belt, which is situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Other asteroids are scattered throughout the Solar System. Some of them cross Earth's orbit, posing a potential collision threat.