Asteroids are minor planets within the solar system, classified as remnants composed primarily of rock and/or metal formed during the early stages of planetary development. They typically orbit the sun, with the majority populating the main asteroid belt located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The composition of these bodies is highly diverse, ranging from carbonaceous materials to dense metallic alloys. Their size and shape are irregular, though some larger bodies possess enough mass to achieve near-spherical geometry due to self-gravity. Orbital dynamics are dominated by gravitational interactions with the major planets, which govern the paths and eventual stability of these celestial objects.