The term used to describe the 'minor planets' is asteroids.

Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun and are significantly smaller than planets. They are also referred to as minor planets because they share similarities with planets in terms of their composition and orbit, but are much smaller in size. These celestial bodies can range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter.

There are millions of asteroids in our solar system, most of which are found in the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This region is where the majority of asteroids are concentrated, forming a ring-like structure around the Sun.

Asteroids are believed to be remnants from the early formation of our solar system, often referred to as the protoplanetary disk. These leftover materials did not accrete to form larger bodies like planets due to the gravitational influence of Jupiter, which disrupted their formation process.

Studying asteroids provides valuable insights into the history and evolution of our solar system. Scientists analyze their composition, shape, and size to gain a better understanding of the processes that led to the formation of planets and other celestial bodies. Additionally, asteroids could potentially pose a threat to Earth if they were to collide with our planet. Therefore, monitoring and tracking asteroids is an essential part of ensuring the safety of our planet.

Several missions have been conducted to study asteroids up close, including NASA's NEAR Shoemaker, Hayabusa, and OSIRIS-REx missions. These missions have provided valuable data about the composition and structure of asteroids, helping scientists piece together the puzzle of our solar system's history.

In conclusion, the name used to describe the 'minor planets' is asteroids. These rocky objects are remnants from the early formation of our solar system and provide valuable insights into its evolution. As scientists continue to study asteroids, we can deepen our understanding of our cosmic neighborhood and potentially mitigate any potential threats they may pose in the future.

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