First asteroid discovered Crossword Clue

The solution for the clue "First asteroid discovered" from Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle is mentioned here below. .

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

The clue "First asteroid discovered" leads us to the answer "CERES" for today's crossword puzzle. Here's why:

1. Historical Significance: Ceres holds the distinction of being the first asteroid to be discovered in our solar system. It was spotted by astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi on January 1, 1801.
2. Asteroid Characteristics: Ceres is not just any asteroid; it is categorized as a dwarf planet due to its size and spherical shape. Its presence in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter sets it apart from other celestial objects.
3. Naming Convention: The name "Ceres" is inspired by the Roman goddess of agriculture and harvest. This naming choice reflects the significance of this celestial body in the realm of asteroids.
4. Scientific Exploration: Over the years, Ceres has intrigued scientists and researchers, leading to dedicated missions like NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which provided valuable data and insights about this unique member of our solar system.

This clue directs solvers to identify Ceres as the answer due to its historical prominence as the first asteroid ever discovered and its subsequent classification as a dwarf planet, highlighting its importance in the field of astronomy.

Definition of "CERES"

the goddess of agriculture.

 The Crossword clue "First asteroid discovered" published 3 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
Wall Street Journal	17 March 2023	CERES
USA Today	14 May 2016	CERES
Newsday.com	5 December 2007	CERES