These plots show the historical growth in known populations of some solar system objects (note that the scale is logarithmic):

• ALL MP = all minor planets (asteroids plus trans-Neptunian objects, Centaurs, etc.)
• NUM MP = permanently numbered minor planets
• NEAS = near-Earth asteroids (those with both permanent and temporary designations)
• PLAN SATS = planetary satellites (those with both permanent and temporary designations)
• TNOS/CEN = outer solar system bodies (trans-Neptunian objects, Centaurs, and scattered disk objects)
• NUM TNOS/CEN = outer solar system bodies with permanent numbers
• MP SATS = minor planet satellites (those of asteroids, TNOs, Centaurs, etc.)

More details on the current totals are given at Known populations of solar system objects.

© 2007 by Wm. Robert Johnston.
Last modified 21 August 2007.
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