Asmall Solar System body (SSSB) is a term defined in2006 by theInternational Astronomical Union to describesolar system objects which are notplanets ordwarf planets:
- All other objects orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar System Bodies" ... These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.[1]
Therefore, it refers to these objects that can be further grouped based on their orbit or what they are made of:
- all known minor planets that are notdwarf planets,i.e.
- allcomets;
- It is not yet clear whether there will be a lower bound on the group of small solar system bodies, or if it will encompass all material down to the level ofmeteoroids.
Some of the larger "small Solar System bodies" may be reclassified in future as dwarf planets, pending further examination to determine whether or not they are inhydrostatic equilibrium (nearly-round shape).
