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What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when passing close to the Sun, heats up and begins to release gases, forming a glowing coma and often a tail.

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What is the nucleus of a comet?

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The nucleus is the solid, central part of a comet, composed of ice and dust.

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What is the tail of a comet?

Back

The tail of a comet is formed when solar radiation and solar wind push gas and dust away from the nucleus, creating a bright trail that always points away from the Sun.

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What is the coma of a comet?

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The coma is the nebulous envelope around the nucleus of a comet, formed when the comet approaches the Sun and the ice vaporizes.

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Where is the asteroid belt located?

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The asteroid belt is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

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What are asteroids?

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Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt.

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What is a meteoroid?

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A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space, smaller than an asteroid.

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What happens when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere?

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When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it burns up due to friction with the air, creating a bright streak of light known as a meteor.

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What is a meteorite?

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A meteorite is a meteoroid that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on the surface of a planet or moon.

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What is a crater?

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A crater is a deep impression left on the surface of a planet or moon when an object, such as a meteoroid, strikes it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2