Asteroids: Distributions,morphologies, origins and evolution

A review is presented of dynamical and physical properties of asteroids. Discovery methods are discussed and some distributions of the orbital elements and the absolute magnitudes are presented as are properties of planet-crossing asteroids, Hildas and Trojans. Various observational methods such as polarimetry, radar and occultations are briefly introduced and lightcurve data are more extensively described. Asteroid taxonomy in the Barucci classifiction is thoroughly discussed as are asteroid spins and shapes and the origin and the evolution of these bodies. Space missions to asteroids and space observations of asteroids are also introduced.