Minor Planet Apr 2026

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 planets are found in diverse regions of the solar system, reflecting various evolutionary paths: minor planet

: Objects sharing an orbit with a planet (Trojans) or orbiting between the giant planets (Centaurs). 3. Scientific Significance The term "minor planet" is an astronomical classification