MCQ Detailed View

In the field of astronomy, Pallas, Vesta, and Davida are known as asteroids, also called minor planets or planetoids. Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, most of which are found in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. These bodies are considered leftover building blocks from the early solar system, formed over 4.5 billion years ago.

• 
  

  Pallas is one of the largest asteroids, discovered in 1802. It measures more than 500 kilometers in diameter and is composed mainly of silicate rock.

  
  


• 
  

  Vesta, discovered in 1807, is another massive asteroid, about 525 kilometers in diameter. Vesta is unique because it has a layered internal structure with a crust, mantle, and core, similar to planets. NASA’s Dawn spacecraft visited Vesta in 2011 and sent back detailed images and data.

  
  


• 
  

  Davida is a large carbon-rich asteroid with a diameter of about 326 kilometers. Its dark surface reflects little sunlight, which is typical of C-type asteroids.

  
  

Unlike stars, which produce their own light through nuclear fusion, or comets, which are icy bodies that release gas and dust when near the Sun, asteroids are rocky and do not shine by themselves. They are only visible because they reflect sunlight.

Studying asteroids like Pallas, Vesta, and Davida helps scientists understand the conditions of the early solar system. Some asteroids contain valuable metals such as iron and nickel, while others hold carbon compounds that may provide clues about the origins of life.

In conclusion, Pallas, Vesta, and Davida are asteroids orbiting the Sun in the asteroid belt. They are small rocky worlds that help scientists explore the history of our solar system.