Small solar system body

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A small solar system body (SSSB) is a term defined in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union to describe solar system objects which are neither planets, nor dwarf planets:

All other objects orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar System Bodies" ... These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.[1]

Therefore it refers to these objects that can be further grouped based on their orbit or what they are made of:

  • all comets;
  • It is not yet clear whether there will be a lower bound on the group of small solar system bodies, or if it will encompass all material down to the level of meteoroids.

Some of the larger "small solar system bodies" may be reclassified in future as dwarf planets, pending further examination to determine whether or not they are in hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly-round shape).

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[edit] References

  1. Definitions as voted on
The Solar System
Image:Eight Planets.png
Star: The Sun
Planets: MercuryVenusEarthMarsJupiterSaturnUranusNeptune
Dwarf planets: CeresPlutoEris
Small solar system body: Asteroid beltCometsMeteorsKuiper beltScattered disc – Oort cloud
Other: Moon