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

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).

The study of minor planets is essential for several reasons: FindPOTATOs: Minor Planet Observation Linking Software

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

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

: Objects sharing an orbit with a planet (Trojans) or orbiting between the giant planets (Centaurs). 3. Scientific Significance

: Crucially, minor planets have not cleared their orbital path of other debris.