SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -The C-type (chondrite) asteroids are most common. They probably consist of clay and silicate rocks, and are dark in appearance. They are among the most ancient objects in the solar system. The S-types ("stony") are made up of silicate materials and nickel-iron.

Detailed explanation-2: -C-type asteroids inhabit the main belt’s outer regions. S-type (silicaceous): Accounts for about 17 percent of known asteroids. Relatively bright with an albedo of 0.10-0.22. Composition is metallic iron mixed with iron-and magnesium-silicates.

Detailed explanation-3: -The asteroids that are nearest the sun are mostly made of carbon, with smaller amounts of nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen, while the ones further away are made up of silicate rock. Silicates are the are very common on Earth and in the solar system.

Detailed explanation-4: -Asteroids often contain important metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, as well as small amounts of precious metals such as platinum (Figure 2). Given these considerations, a single asteroid with the right composition could be worth trillions of dollars in raw materials.