Asteroids can come as close as a few thousand kilometers to Earth, which is considered a close approach in astronomical terms. Some asteroids have even passed between the Earth and the Moon, known as a near-Earth object. While most asteroids pass by Earth at a safe distance, there is always a possibility of a potential impact, which is closely monitored by astronomers. **

While most asteroids are solid rocky or metallic bodies, there is a type of asteroid known as a comet-like asteroid that can have a gaseous component. These asteroids, also known as active asteroids, have been observed to have a thin atmosphere or outgassing of gases due to the heating of volatile materials on their surface by the Sun. However, these gaseous components are typically very thin compared to the atmospheres of planets or moons. **

Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. When asteroids enter Earth's atmosphere, they are called meteoroids. If a meteoroid survives the journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite. Meteorites can provide valuable information about the early solar system and are studied by scientists to learn more about the formation and evolution of our planet. **

Asteroids are larger rocky bodies that orbit the sun, typically found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They can range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter. Meteoroids, on the other hand, are smaller rocky or metallic fragments that are also in orbit around the sun, but are much smaller than asteroids, typically ranging from the size of a grain of sand to a few meters. When a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it is called a meteor. If any part of the meteoroid survives and lands on Earth, it is then called a meteorite. **

In Space Engineers: Planets and Asteroids, players can explore and colonize procedurally generated planets and moons. They can gather resources, build bases, and create vehicles to navigate the planetary terrain. The expansion also introduces new environmental hazards such as gravity, atmosphere, and weather, adding a new layer of challenge to the gameplay. Additionally, players can encounter and mine asteroids in space, adding another dimension to the game's resource gathering mechanics. **

Currently, it is technically possible to mine resources from asteroids with today's technology, but it is not yet economically feasible. The cost of sending spacecraft to asteroids, extracting resources, and bringing them back to Earth is still prohibitively high. However, with advancements in space technology and the decreasing cost of space travel, it is possible that asteroid mining could become economically viable within the next couple of decades. As technology continues to improve and space exploration becomes more accessible, the potential for asteroid mining to become a reality in the near future is promising. **

There are millions of asteroids in our solar system, with estimates ranging from over 1.5 million to several million. Most of these asteroids are located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but there are also many others scattered throughout the solar system. Scientists continue to discover new asteroids regularly, so the exact number is constantly changing. **

Meteorites and asteroids often land in craters because craters are evidence of past impacts. When a meteorite or asteroid collides with a planet or moon, it creates a crater upon impact. Therefore, it is more likely for subsequent meteorites and asteroids to land in these pre-existing craters, as they are attracted to areas with a history of impact events. Additionally, the presence of a crater may also make it easier for meteorites and asteroids to penetrate the surface and become embedded in the ground. **