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'''S-type asteroids''', also called '''silicate asteroids''' or '''stony asteroids''', are the second most abundant type of [[asteroid]] in the [[solar system]]. 17% of all asteroids are S-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 ==
S-type asteroids have [[a-lbedo]]s varying from 0.10 to 0.22.<ref name=planetsoc/> They are composed primarily of [[iron]] and [[nickel]] with iron and [[magnesium]] silicates added. They resemble stony [[meteor]]ites and ordinary rocks. They typically predominate in the inner regions of the asteroid belt.<ref name=planetsoc/><ref name=Burns>Burns, Philip R. "[http://www.pibburns.com/catastro/asteroid.htm Asteroids]." March 1, 2000. Accessed June 21, 2008.</ref>
== Examples ==
The asteroids [[Gaspra]]<ref name=Burns/> and [[Ida]]<ref name=Burns/><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> are two examples of S-type asteroids.
== Observation and exploration ==
S-type asteroids are somewhat brighter than the C-type and are thus easier to view.
The [[Galileo Project|Galileo]] spacecraft made rendezvous with the asteroids Gaspra and Ida on its way to [[Jupiter]].<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>
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Solarsystem}}
{{Solarsystem}}
[[category:astronomy]]
[[category:astronomy]]