
Hygiea
Hygiea is a large asteroid located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is the fourth-largest asteroid, with a diameter of about 430 kilometers (267 miles). Hygiea is primarily made of rock and ice, and its surface features a mixture of craters and smooth areas. Named after the Greek goddess of health, Hygiea is of scientific interest because it offers clues about the early Solar System's formation and the composition of primitive planetary bodies. Its relatively bright surface and unique shape distinguish it from other asteroids, making it an important target for study in planetary science.