The asteroid belt

11/9/2023 10:33:00 PM
Image: NASA

Do you know?

  • Over 600,000 asteroids in the belt have been identified and named.
  • Most asteroids are irregularly shaped, though a few are nearly spherical, and they are often pitted or cratered. 

Now, let's explore these astronomical objects.

Let's learn some new words before you read the passage:

Listen and complete the passage.

floating course asteroids
circulates gravitational leftovers


An asteroid, a large rock in space, is mostly composed of rock with some parts containing nickel and iron. Most of these asteroids are found orbiting between Mars and Jupiter, in a region known as the asteroid belt. This belt is a band of rocks that around the sun. Occasionally, asteroids run into each other, and this causes them to change their and can break them into smaller pieces.

A common theory among some scientists is that these asteroids are of a planet that never fully formed, hence the term "minor planets" is often applied to them. It’s estimated that if all the asteroids were combined to form a single object, it would not surpass the size of the moon. Furthermore, when an asteroid enters the pull of a planet, it begins to orbit around it, similar to the way a moon orbits a planet.

While it is a fairly rare occurrence, there have been cases where an asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere and exploded while it was still in the air.

The study of provides valuable knowledge about into the early solar system's conditions and the materials that helped form the planets. Space missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx, which aim to collect asteroid samples and bring them back to Earth, are vital for gaining more in-depth knowledge in this field.

Read and answer the following questions.

The Asteroid Belt

Image: Andrea Danti/Shutterstock

An asteroid, a large rock in space, is mostly composed of rock with some parts containing nickel and iron. Most of these asteroids are found orbiting between Mars and Jupiter, in a region known as the asteroid belt. This belt is a band of rocks that circulates around the sun. Occasionally, asteroids run into each other, and this causes them to change their course and can break them into smaller pieces.

A common theory among some scientists is that these floating asteroids are leftovers of a planet that never fully formed, hence the term "minor planets" is often applied to them. It’s estimated that if all the asteroids were combined to form a single object, it would not surpass the size of the moon. Furthermore, when an asteroid enters the gravitational pull of a planet, it begins to orbit around it, similar to the way a moon orbits a planet.

While it is a fairly rare occurrence, there have been cases where an asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere and exploded while it was still in the air.

The study of asteroids provides valuable knowledge about into the early solar system's conditions and the materials that helped form the planets. Space missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx, which aim to collect asteroid samples and bring them back to Earth, are vital for gaining more in-depth knowledge in this field.

What does the first paragraph mostly discuss?

  • The potential for asteroid mining due to their composition
  • The history of asteroid exploration and mining
  • The process of asteroids colliding and breaking apart
  • The composition and behavior of asteroids in space

Why is the phrase "minor planets" mentioned in the text?

  • To suggest that asteroids could be habitable like planets
  • To contrast asteroids with the major planets in the solar system
  • To indicate that asteroids might be remnants of an unformed planet
  • To highlight the idea that asteroids are able to become smaller

All of the asteroids combined together are _____.

  • slightly bigger than the moon
  • not so big as the moon
  • twice as big as the moon
  • as big as the moon

What is NOT true according to the text?

  • Some asteroids entered Earth's atmosphere and burnt up.
  • OSIRIS-REx is a mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth.
  • All asteroids break into smaller pieces after colliding with one another.
  • Asteroids can orbit a planet after getting into its gravitational pull.

What is the tone of the text?

  • Critical
  • Informative
  • Argumentative
  • Persuasive

Build your vocabulary by learning these intensive phrases/idioms:

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given in brackets. Do not change the given word. You must use between two to five words including the given word.

Sarah determined to cut down on her spending after she checked her credit card bills. (HORNS)

=> After reviewing her credit card bills, Sarah decided .

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word in brackets. You must use between TWO and FIVE words, including the word given. Do NOT change the word given.

When Lisa got the acceptance letter from her dream university, she couldn't contain her joy. (MOON)

=> Lisa was when she received the acceptance letter from her dream university.

The new policies aim to create _____ for all applicants, ensuring equal opportunities for success.

  • a level playing field
  • a licence to print money
  • a balancing act
  • a long haul