= Small Solar System body
{c}
A <Small Solar System body> is an object orbiting the <Sun> that is neither a <planet> nor a <dwarf planet> nor a <natural satellite>, in the classification adopted by the International Astronomical Union in 2006. The category includes most <asteroids>, most trans-Neptunian objects and <comets>. The definition is tied to the <Solar system>; it is not a general classification of every small astronomical object.<IAU Resolution B5: Definition of a Planet in the Solar System>[2006, clause 3 and footnote 3]{ref}
The categories encode physical distinctions. A <dwarf planet> has enough self-gravity to assume a nearly round equilibrium figure but has not cleared its orbital neighborhood. A <Small Solar System body> does not satisfy both planetary shape and orbital-clearing conditions. A <natural satellite> is classified separately even if it is small and irregular.
For example, <Ceres> lies in the <asteroid belt> but is a <dwarf planet>, whereas <Vesta> is classified as an <asteroid>. Merely being in the <asteroid belt> therefore does not determine which formal category an object occupies.<Ceres: Facts by NASA>[Dwarf-planet classification]{ref}<4 Vesta by NASA>[Asteroid classification and physical properties]{ref}
Back to article page
