433 Eros

433 Eros is a near-Earth asteroid approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) across, composed mainly of metallic and rocky material. Discovered in 1898, it orbits the Sun and sometimes comes close to Earth, making it a key target for study. Eros's irregular shape and surface features provide insight into the building blocks of planets. NASA's 2000 NEAR Shoemaker mission orbited and landed on Eros, collecting valuable data about its composition, geology, and history. Understanding Eros helps scientists learn about the early solar system and the potential for asteroid impacts on Earth.