What is the largest object found in the Asteroid Belt?

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Ceres is the largest object found in the Asteroid Belt and is classified as a dwarf planet. It holds this distinction because it has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces, allowing it to maintain a nearly round shape. Located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, Ceres has a diameter of about 940 kilometers (584 miles), making it significantly larger than other objects in the Asteroid Belt.

In contrast to other options, Vesta is another large body within the Asteroid Belt but is smaller than Ceres. Both Europa and Io are moons of Jupiter, and while they are large and fascinating in their own right, they are not part of the Asteroid Belt. Thus, the classification and size of Ceres as the largest object substantiate its position within the context of the Asteroid Belt.

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