Asteroids are small rocky bodies that orbit the sun, primarily located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. They range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter. Studies of asteroids help scientists understand the formation and evolution of the solar system. Researchers study their compositions, shapes, spin rates, and orbits to learn more about their origins and potential impact hazards to Earth. The study of asteroids also has implications for future space missions, such as asteroid mining and planetary defense.