Ceres was the first asteroid discovered (1801), and for 50 years it was considered
another planet. Then, as astronomers discovered more such objects orbiting between
Mars and Jupiter, Ceres and the others were designated "asteroids". With recent
discoveries of distant solar system objects, Ceres' designation has changed once again,
now called a "dwarf planet" (along with Pluto and other similar small spherical bodies).

Ceres is by far the largest object in the asteroid belt (590miles in diameter), and
makes up 32% of all the mass in the asteroid belt. At its brightest (as in this image),
it is just a bit too dim to see with the unaided eye.

In 2015, the NASA probe "Dawn" will visit Ceres.

This animation is made up of two images, taken 30 minutes apart.
The animation will only run if you choose the "original" size.

Image data:
Camera: Canon 350 XT (modified)
Exposure: ISO 800, 2 minutes
Telescope: 10" Schmidt-Newtonian