Minor planets, also known as asteroids, are small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the Asteroid Belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size, shape, and composition, with some being rocky while others may contain metals or ice. Unlike planets, they do not have a clear path around the Sun and can have irregular orbits. These objects are classified as "minor" because they are smaller than the eight major planets in our solar system. Some minor planets, like Ceres, are large enough to be considered dwarf planets. Scientists study minor planets to learn more about the early solar system and the formation of planets.