An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An → asteroid that belongs to the family of → carbonaceous asteroids. They are → depleted in → hydrogen and → helium, have chemical ratios akin to solar composition, and show low → albedo (0.03-0.09). C-type asteroids are the most common variety, forming around 75% of known asteroids. They
inhabit → main belt’s outer regions.

See also: C stands for → carbonaceous; → type; → asteroid.