Have you ever wondered what would happen if a giant rock from space was heading toward Earth?  

Although it may sound like a science fiction movie, asteroids are real objects that travel at immense speeds through the solar system. Some are harmless, others have impacted our planet in the past, and all of them hold secrets about the origins of the universe. But what are these mysterious space travelers, really?

Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, remnants of the early solar system formed over 4.6 billion years ago. Unlike planets, they lack sufficient gravity to become spherical or clear their orbits of other debris. Most of them are found in a region called the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, but they can also be found in other parts of the solar system.

Though often portrayed as dangerous, asteroids are invaluable to science. By studying them, scientists can learn more about the conditions that existed during the formation of the solar system, since many asteroids have remained virtually unchanged since then.

What Are Asteroids Made Of?

Asteroids vary widely in size, shape, and composition. Some are made mostly of metal, while others are composed of rock or even contain water and organic compounds. Based on their composition and reflectivity, astronomers have categorized them into three main types:

→ C-type (Carbonaceous) Asteroid

→ S-type (Silicaceous or Stony) Asteroids

→ M-type (Metallic) Asteroids

To conclude the most important question to answer: Are they a danger to Earth?

Some asteroids cross Earth’s orbit and, in theory, could collide with us. However, the chance of a catastrophic impact is extremely low in the near future. Still, space agencies like NASA constantly monitor these objects and develop planetary defense plans, like the DART mission in 2022, which successfully altered an asteroid’s path by crashing a spacecraft into it.

In the future, asteroids could become important for space mining, offering metals and water for use in long-duration missions or even as construction material for space habitats.

In class, we participated in a project called StAnD , where we searched for asteroids using a series of space images provided to us. It was a fascinating experience that allowed us to feel like real astronomers. We even received a diploma for our work, and we learned that many other schools are also taking part in this exciting program. It showed us how students, even at a young age, can contribute to the study of space and learn about the universe in a hands-on way.

Ines LOPEZ 2-9