Small Solar System Objects

Front

What is the region of space between Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids are found?

Back

The asteroid belt.

Front

What aligns with the ion (or gas) tail of a comet?

Back

The solar wind.

Front

Where do most long-period comets originate?

Back

The Oort Cloud.

Front

What is a streak of light made by a chunk of rock or dust entering Earth's atmosphere called?

Back

A meteor.

Front

What are small, rocky bodies that orbit the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt?

Back

Asteroids.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid, meteor, and meteorite?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock in space, a meteor is the streak of light when it enters the atmosphere, and a meteorite is what remains after it lands on Earth.

Front

What is the primary composition of comets?

Back

Comets are primarily composed of ice, dust, and rocky material.

Front

What is the significance of the Kuiper Belt?

Back

The Kuiper Belt is a region beyond Neptune that contains many small solar system bodies, including short-period comets.

Front

What is the role of the solar wind in the behavior of comets?

Back

The solar wind pushes the ion tail of a comet away from the sun.

Front

What are the two main types of comets based on their orbital periods?

Back

Short-period comets and long-period comets.