What does perturb the orbits of asteroids (and comets)?

The largest asteroids are massive enough to perturb the orbits of their neighbours; but even a small asteroid can cause significant perturbations if it comes close enough. Predicting this effect is more difficult because the mass of most asteroids is unknown. read more

Asteroids and comets have a few things in common. They are both celestial bodies orbiting our Sun, and they both can have unusual orbits, sometimes straying close to Earth or the other planets. They are both “leftovers” — made from materials from the formation of our Solar System 4.5 billion years ago. read more

Today, most asteroids orbit the sun in a tightly packed belt located between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are relegated to either a cloud or belt on the solar system fringe. Gravitational tugs, orbital collisions, and interstellar jostles occasionally perturb an asteroid or comet onto a wayward path. read more