Minor Planet ⭐

: Bodies located beyond the orbit of Neptune, including Kuiper Belt objects.

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). minor planet

: Objects sharing an orbit with a planet (Trojans) or orbiting between the giant planets (Centaurs). 3. Scientific Significance : Bodies located beyond the orbit of Neptune,

The Nature and Dynamics of Minor Planets in the Solar System minor planet

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