Structured Lists Directory

Overview

Types of Astronomical Objects

Astronomical objects refer to naturally occurring physical entities, associations, or structures that exist within the observable universe. Various objects exist at different scales and with different properties, including stars, planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, nebulae, galaxies, and black holes, which are systematically classified by organizations such as NASA and ESA. These classifications are based on the physical properties, evolutionary stages, and cosmic positioning of celestial bodies.

astronomy celestial bodies stars planets galaxies nebulae black holes universe NASA ESA
code slug name description category
01 stars Stars Hot plasma bodies bound by their own gravity that generate energy through nuclear fusion. Stellar System
02 planets Planets Bodies orbiting stars that are spherical due to sufficient mass and have cleared their orbital neighborhood. Stellar System
03 satellites Natural Satellites Natural bodies that orbit planets, asteroids, or other celestial bodies. Stellar System
04 asteroids Asteroids Relatively small Solar System bodies composed of rock and metal, mainly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Small Solar System Bodies
05 comets Comets Small bodies composed of ice, dust, and rock that form a coma and tail when approaching the Sun. Small Solar System Bodies
06 nebulae Nebulae Giant clouds of dust, hydrogen, helium, and other ionized gases existing in space. Interstellar Medium
07 galaxies Galaxies Massive gravitationally bound systems of stars, interstellar matter, dark matter, and black holes. Extragalactic
08 black-holes Black Holes Regions of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. Stellar Evolution
09 star-clusters Star Clusters Groups of stars bound by gravity, with two main types: open clusters and globular clusters. Stellar System
10 quasars Quasars Active galactic nuclei centered on supermassive black holes, extremely luminous radio sources. Extragalactic

Major classifications of celestial bodies and astronomical objects existing in the universe.