asked 8.2k views
3 votes
The asteroid belt is a region between Mars and Jupiter that contains a multitude of large rocks and planetary fragments called asteroids. Most asteroids are about 3 AU from the Sun. What is the best estimate of the orbital period of a typical asteroid?

asked
User Arilia
by
8.4k points

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The orbital period of a typical asteroid in the asteroid belt, which lies between Mars and Jupiter, is estimated to be between 3.3 to 6 years, based on their average distance of about 3 AU from the Sun.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best estimate for the orbital period of a typical asteroid in the asteroid belt is based on its average distance from the Sun. Most asteroids in the belt are about 3 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, which puts their orbital period in the range between 3.3 to 6 years. This estimate is supported by the fact that the main belt extends from 2.2 to 3.3 AU and the orbital periods in this region fall into the aforementioned range.

answered
User JackU
by
7.8k points
0 votes

Answer:

5.2 Earth years

answered
User Bobblez
by
7.9k points
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