 Hubble pictures(2003)
Discovered by Sicilian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi on January 1, 1801, Ceres is the largest "asteroid" in the asteroid belt between Mars
and Jupiter. It is spherical in shape, and some 580 miles in diameter(930 kilometers). It takes 4.6 years to orbit once in a
nearly circular orbit around the Sun.
Recent observations by the Hubble Space Telescope reveal Ceres to be more than just an asteroid -it is actually
a mini planet with its own water and atmosphere. Astronomer Lucy McFadden of Maryland says Ceres is an embryonic planet
capable of accreting enough matter to become a full-fledged planet but is prevented from doing so by Jupiter's gravity.
The above four snapshots were part of 267 taken by Hubble of Ceres' 9-hour rotation period. The bright spot is described as a
"mystery" by the astronomers, but this author knows very well it is the light of Ceres' inner central sun shining through
the clouds of one of its its polar openings. Ceres is a small hollow planet and an inhabited world!
See here for the press release.
Jan.23, 2004. It definitely looks like a world or planet of some kind! 
The Orbit of Ceres
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