Why do we sometimes observe asteroids at the distances of the gaps in the asteroid belt?
A)A gap is located at an average orbital distance,and asteroid orbits often have large eccentricities.
B)Jupiter's gravitational tugs keep them there.
C)They are held in place by resonances with other asteroids.
D)They are kept in place by shepherding asteroids.
E)Actually,we never see asteroids in the gaps.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asteroids can sometimes be observed at the distances of the gaps in the asteroid belt because their orbits can have large eccentricities. This means that while their average distance from the Sun might place them within a gap, their actual orbit can take them in and out of these regions. The gaps themselves, known as Kirkwood gaps, are primarily caused by orbital resonances with Jupiter, not because asteroids preferentially occupy these spaces.

Why Do We Sometimes Observe Asteroids at the Distances of the Gaps