Minor Planet May 2026

A sub-category, , includes larger minor planets like Pluto , Ceres, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake, which meet the shape criteria but fail to clear their orbits. 2. Distribution and Populations

Minor planets are found in diverse regions of the solar system, reflecting various evolutionary paths: minor planet

The study of minor planets is essential for several reasons: FindPOTATOs: Minor Planet Observation Linking Software A sub-category, , includes larger minor planets like

The term "minor planet" is an astronomical classification encompassing all small solar system bodies that are not comets. As of early 2026, over 1.5 million minor planets have been identified. These bodies are distinguished from major planets based on three criteria established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) : : They must orbit a star (the Sun). As of early 2026, over 1

: They must have sufficient gravity to achieve a nearly spherical shape.

: Located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, this region contains the highest concentration of rocky asteroids.

: Bodies located beyond the orbit of Neptune, including Kuiper Belt objects.