Learn English – more generic word for “space objects” (not counting human-made or massive objects)

sciencesingle-word-requeststerminology

Basically, objects like

  • Asteroids
  • Meteoroids
  • Meteors
  • Meteorites
  • Comets
  • Etc.

As stated in the title, this also doesn't count human-made objects, such as

  • Space junk
  • Satellites,
  • Space stations,
  • Rockets or shuttles
  • Other crafts

Nor does it count what I'll call here massive or unrelated objects , such as stuff like

  • Dwarf planets
  • Planetesimals
  • Proto-planets
  • Moons
  • Etc.

Here's a visual representation of what I mean that I whipped up in a minute:

]

Best Answer

After a bit more research, I found my answer: small Solar System bodies (SSSB) is the official IAU term used for anything that is not a planet, dwarf planet, or moon.

In the article on the IAU site, "Pluto and the Developing Landscape of Our Solar System", they define it as:

a new IAU definition to encompass all objects orbiting the Sun that are too small (not sufficiently massive) to satisfy the definition of planet or dwarf planet.

For a more formal definition of the term, one can refer to the IAU's Resolution B5, made in 2006:

(3) All other objects³,except satellites, orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar System Bodies".

[Footnote 3] "These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs),comets, and other small bodies."

Related Topic