The orbits of asteroids have a surprisingly large variety of semimajor axes, eccentricities, and inclinations to the ecliptic compared to most of the major planets. Which of these seems to be a reasonable explanation for this?
A)Asteroids are "small" objects, and they formed with the kinds of orbits they now have.
B)The orbits were stirred up when the Sun passed within the Oort cloud of another star.
C)Jupiter's gravitational pull has stirred up the asteroid orbits.
D)One or more Mars-sized planets formed in the asteroid belt, and their gravitational influence stirred up the orbits of the rest of the asteroids.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jupiter's large mass and gravitational pull can disturb the orbits of asteroids, causing them to have a wide range of semimajor axes, eccentricities, and inclinations. This phenomenon is known as the "Jupiter-Saturn barrier" and is believed to be the reason why there are no planets in the asteroid belt.

The Orbits of Asteroids Have a Surprisingly Large Variety of Semimajor