The World of Asteroids

A while ago, we looked at meteors and how it can impact the planets in the world you are building. This week we are going to look at what meteors are before they enter the atmosphere—Asteroids!!



NASA’s Knowledge

According to NASA, Asteroids are rocky debris left over from the formation of our universe. Unlike Meteors, Asteroids are always found in space. They often found in belts, however, there are some that have their own path they travel. Sizes vary wildly!

[image error]Asteroid

Asteroids can be as small as a small creek pebble, or even large enough to be considered a dwarf planet!  To put it into perspective, it is not uncommon to have many that are the size of a football field, or a house! Normally comprised of rock, many can contain iron and nickel among other various minerals your heroes may need in their journey.

Asteroid Moons?

Can Asteroids have moons? Abso-freaking-lutely! It is not uncommon for asteroids to have their own moons. Take a look at 243 Ida. In 1993 the Galileo probe discovered an asteroid moon they later named Dactyl orbiting the asteroid. There are several others that have been discovered as well! How exciting is that?

There are dynamics even within the asteroid belt itself. Not only could an asteroid belt present problems for your hero(es) when traveling, but within the belt itself there could lie nearly invisible obstacles for them to navigate around. Is your hero a strong pilot or do they have a strong pilot? I hope so!  Because when you go into an asteroid belt you’re going to need it!

[image error]Asteroid

The biggest key to separating a large asteroid from a dwarf planet is made up of several factors. The first is that an asteroid that is big enough to meet the dwarf planet requirement is not circular as planets normally are. They are often entirely different shapes, and rarely have similarities between them!

About Dwarf Planets

Also, dwarf planets possess an atmosphere. Asteroids do not. So if your hero were to land on it, they would have to use some sort of equipment to help them breathe and protect them from the indescribable cold of the vacuum of outer space.

Asteroids also pose a large threat to planets! Earth has been impacted by several (i.e.Meteor Crater in Arizona or Vredefort Crater in South Africa) over the history of the planet. However, Lady Luck has been on our side and there has not been a true asteroid impact in recorded human history.

[image error]Asteroid

According to phys.org, studies indicate that there is an impact every five thousand years or so. Moons help absorb some of that impact, however, that is an article for another time!

How To Use Asteroids

You can use asteroids in various ways. You can have your hero traverse an asteroid belt where they encounter various obstacles they must navigate around or perish! You can have a large asteroid impact a planet and destroy all life like an asteroid did to the dinosaurs on earth 65 million years ago.

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Another option is that you can have your adventurers land on an asteroid to obtain precious minerals they need. However, that is a tricky maneuver since the asteroids are twisting and turning in their normal orbits.

The world is yours
to form and create as you see fit! If you do have space travel in your story,
then I HIGHLY encourage you to add these dynamic and rich tools into it!

See you soon space travelers!
C. Brady

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