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

question 16

Multiple Choice

Why do we sometimes observe asteroids at the distances of the gaps in the asteroid belt?

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

---

Definitions:

Environment

The surrounding conditions or settings in which a person, plant, or animal lives or operates, encompassing both natural and man-made influences.

Shape Constancy

The tendency to perceive objects as being the same shape even though the shapes of their images on the retina may differ when the objects are viewed from different positions.

Perceptual Constancy

The tendency to perceive objects as the same even though the sensations produced by them may differ when, for example, they differ in position or distance.

Rectangle

A four-sided polygon with opposite sides being equal and parallel, and all interior angles being right angles.