The term "minor planet" is an astronomical classification encompassing all small solar system bodies that are not comets. As of early 2026, over 1.5 million minor planets have been identified. These bodies are distinguished from major planets based on three criteria established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) : : They must orbit a star (the Sun).
: They must have sufficient gravity to achieve a nearly spherical shape. minor planet
: Crucially, minor planets have not cleared their orbital path of other debris. The term "minor planet" is an astronomical classification
The Nature and Dynamics of Minor Planets in the Solar System minor planet