Ceres (Asteroids Series) - (Important Facts) {Part-31}

Note:- Hello everybody, Welcome to the Series of Asteroids. In this series, Important Asteroids are going to be covered.

THE LARGEST ASTEROID, CERES is classed as a dwarf planet. More than three times the size of the next largest asteroid, Vesta. Ceres comprises a third of the entire Asteroid Belt's mass.

Ceres

When it was first discovered, Ceres was considered to be a theorised planet that existed between Mars and Jupiter.

Later, as more objects were discovered in orbits close to Ceres, it was realised to be discovered in what is now known as the Asteroid Belt.

Structure of Ceres

When Pluto was demoted to the status of dwarf planet, it caused Ceres to gain the same title as it has similar properties to Pluto. Ceres is currently classed as both an Asteroid and a dwarf planet.

Ceres is at least partially differentiated with a rocky core surrounded by a layer of ice that contains more water than there is fresh water present on the Earth. The surface of the asteroid is covered in a layer of dust.

Due to the vast quantities of water present, it is possible that Ceres could have a liquid ocean sandwich between its rocky core and surface layers of ice and dust. Because of the low temperatures, the water would have to contain impurities that would act as anti-freeze.