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Line 1: + − '''C-type asteroids''' are asteroids whose chemical composition is largely [[carbon]]-based. 75% of known [[asteroids]] are C-types.+ + − + + − + − + + − + − + + + + + + + + +
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'''C-type''' or '''carbonaceous asteroids''' are the most abundant type of [[asteroid]] in the [[solar system]]. About 75% of all asteroids are C-type.<ref name=Arnett>Arnett, Bill. "[http://www.nineplanets.org/asteroids.html Asteroids]." ''The <s>Nine</s> 8 Planets'', May 10, 2008. Accessed June 20, 2008.</ref><ref name=planetsoc>"[http://www.planetary.org/explore/topics/near_earth_objects/asteroids_and_comets/facts.html Asteroid Facts]." ''The Planetary Society'', n.d. Accessed June 20, 2008.</ref>
== Characteristics and composition ==
C-type asteroids are among the darkest objects in the [[solar system]], having [[albedo]]s that vary from 0.03 to 0.09.<ref name=planetsoc/> They have a chemical composition similar to that of the [[Sun]] but lacking molecular [[hydrogen]], [[helium]], and other volatile elements.<ref name=Arnett/> Some have stated that their composition is like that of carbonaceous chondrite [[meteor]]ites.<ref name=Burns>Burns, Philip R. "[http://www.pibburns.com/catastro/asteroid.htm Asteroids]." March 1, 2000. Accessed June 21, 2008.</ref>
The largest known C-type asteroid is 10 Hygiea which is about 350-500km in diameter.
== Examples ==
The largest known C-type asteroid is [[Hygiea]]. [[Ceres]] would still be a C-type asteroid, were it not now classified as a [[dwarf planet]].<ref name=Burns/> The asteroid [[Mathilde]] is another example of a C-type asteroid.<ref name=Gordon>Gordon, K. "[http://www.csulb.edu/~gordon/LectureNotes/Asteroids%20Close%20Up.html Asteroids Close Up]." Course syllabus, Astronomy 100L, California State University Long Beach, 2006-2007. Accessed June 21, 2008.</ref>
==Composition==
== Observation and Exploration ==
C-type asteroids have a very similar chemical composition as the [[Sun]], except they are lacking [[hydrogen]], [[helium]] and other gases.
C-type asteroids are too dim to view without a telescope.
The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous mission made rendezvous with and photographed the asteroid Mathilde in June of 1997 en route to its rendezvous with the asteroid [[Eros]].<ref name=Gordon/>
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== References ==
[[Category:Science]]
{{reflist|2}}
{{Astronomy portal}}
== Related link ==
* [[Wikipedia:C-type asteroid|C-type asteroid]] by [[Wikipedia]]
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[[Category:Astronomy]]
[[Category:Solar system]]
[[fr:Astéroïdes C-type]]