A Closer Look
Ceres orbits the Sun in the asteroid belt, which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. For many years, Ceres was classified as an asteroid. However, because it is so much bigger, is round, and has a core surrounded by distinct layers of different materials, scientists classified it as a dwarf planet in 2006.
Scientists have found evidence of water on Ceres.
The maximum surface temperature of Ceres is approximately −38°C (−36°F).
What forms of water do you think Ceres has?
Artist’s concept of the current understanding of Ceres’s internal structure. Because instruments could not collect data about what lies deeper than 62 miles, there is no information about the innermost part of Ceres.
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