Ceres

Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and is classified as a dwarf planet. It was discovered in 1801 and is about 590 miles (940 kilometers) wide. Ceres contains water ice and may have a salty ocean beneath its surface, making it a target for studying the potential for life beyond Earth. Its surface features include large craters and white patches thought to be salt deposits. Ceres is significant for understanding the early solar system and the building blocks of planets. Its exploration helps scientists learn about planetary formation and evolution.