asteroid composition

Asteroids are rocky or metallic objects orbiting the Sun, composed mainly of minerals, metals, and sometimes ice. Their composition varies: some are primarily made of silicate minerals (rocky), while others contain a higher concentration of metals like iron and nickel. There are also carbon-rich asteroids called carbonaceous, which contain organic compounds and water, suggesting they may have played a role in bringing Earth's water. These differences reflect their origins and history in the solar system, providing clues about the early building blocks of planets and the processes that shaped our cosmic neighborhood.