Editing Planetoid

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[[Planetoid]]s are the [[worldlet]]s of a Belt. The Population, Government, and Law Level represent the general level throughout the Belt. TINY
* An astronomical body too small to be considered a [[planet]].
* The [[Universal Planetary Profile]] (UPP) uses a world size of 0 to designate an '''asteroid belt'''.
* Please also see [[Ringworld]], [[Rosette]], and [[Sphereworld]].
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
Generally any object less than 500 kilometers in diameter is considered to be a '''planetoid''', although it may be called a ''[[satellite|moon]]'' if it is a ''[[satellite]]'' of a planet.
* For the purposes of distinction, the term ''asteroid belt'' is used to describe a ''planetoid belt'' which forms the main "world" in a stellar system. 

=== Planetary Characteristics ===
The term ''planetoid belt'' refers to a belt of minor planets when another belt or world is the main world in a system.
* ''Asteroid'' and ''planetoid'' belts typically hold between 1,000 and 10,000 asteroids or planetoids each.

=== Probably Planetary Orbit & Climate ===
Planetoids strongly tend to be too small to collect an [[atmosphere]] and are generally uninhabitable. Larger planetoids tend to be termed [[Natural Satellite|moona]] or [[Natural Satellite|natural satellites]]. They tend to collect in [[orbit]]s far from [[gas giant]]s. Some astrophysical theories suppose that [[gas giant]]s are natural shields against [[comet]]s, and other dangerous objects.

== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
Planetoids generally cluster together in [[planetoid belt]]s which encircle a [[star]]. 
* These belts have a number of possible origins. For example, a planet may have failed to coalesce during the formation of its star system. It is also possible that a planet has been torn apart by tidal forces, leaving a path of scattered debris. 

=== Asteroids vs. Planetoids! ===
''[[Asteroid Belt|Asteroid]] and [[Planetoid Belt]]s:'' The terms [[asteroid]] and [[planetoid]] are effectively synonymous; they mean small or minor planets. Each term refers to a belt of many similar small planets in orbit around the central [[star]].
* For the purposes of differentiation, the term [[asteroid]] refers to such a belt when it is the [[main world]] of a [[system]]. The term [[planetoid belt]] refers to such a group of minor planets when another belt or world is the [[main world]] in a [[system]].
* Asteroid and planetoid belts typically hold between 1,000 and 10,000 [[asteroid]]s or [[planetoid]]s each. {{Page cite|name= Scouts |page= 39 |version=Classic Traveller}}

=== Planetoid Hulls ===
Some classes of [[spacecraft]] utilize planetoids as [[hull]]s: these are noted as being Planetoid or Buffered Planetoid vessels. Denser nickel-iron planetoids are preferred, though some vessels use carbonaceous bodies. Most commonly, a chunk of material of a suitable size, density and internal structure is cut from a larger donor planetoid body. It is then towed to a shipyard and hollowed out, typically through the use of fusion tunneling.
* Only a limited percentage of the volume of a planetoid hull is usable: the remainder forms the structure of the hull. However, this structure affords the vessel integral armor. A Buffered Planetoid retains more of its natural structure, giving it better armor.

The surface of the planetoid vessel may be sculpted. This may be done to give the vessel a more conventional layout, particularly if it is to be carried aboard a larger vessel such as a [[Carrier]] or a [[Fleet Tender]]. A [[planetoid ship]] may also be sculpted to disguise it, making it seem like a natural body.

=== Final War Artifacts ===
Finally, many belts in and around the [[Third Imperium]] were formed by "[[planet-buster]]" [[super-weapon]]s used in the [[Final War]]. These weapons used technologies with capabilities far beyond anything that [[TL-15]] science can produce. It is widely  thought that highly advanced antimatter weapons might have been one of those [[technologies]].

== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
{{Advanced}}
{{Sources
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Worlds and Adventures | version=Classic Traveller |page=}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Scouts |version=Classic Traveller |page=}} 
 | {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page=}} 
 | {{Ludography cite|name= A Guide to Star Systems |page=}} 
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society volume 2 | article=Gas Giants, Planetoid, and other bodies | page=80-85}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Referee's Handbook| version= Mongoose 2nd| page=83-84}}
 | [http://www.mega-traveller.com/beowulf/ Beowolf's Libary Data Website]
}}

{{LE|Astrography|Planetology|Planets}}
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