Comets, Meteors, Asteroids

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a solid fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the ground.

Front

What is a comet often referred to as?

Back

A comet is often called a 'dirty snowball' because it is made of ice, dust, and rocky material.

Front

What are meteoroids?

Back

Meteoroids are small rocky or metallic bodies in outer space, often originating from comets or asteroids.

Front

What happens to a meteor when it burns up in the atmosphere?

Back

When a meteor burns up in the atmosphere, it is commonly referred to as a 'shooting star'.

Front

Where are asteroids primarily found in our solar system?

Back

Asteroids are primarily found in the asteroid belt, which is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is the nucleus of a comet?

Back

The nucleus of a comet is the solid core made of ice and dust, which can be a few kilometers in diameter.

Front

What is the coma of a comet?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite?

Back

A meteoroid is a small particle from a comet or asteroid in space, while a meteorite is a meteoroid that has landed on Earth.

Front

What are the three stages of a meteoroid's journey?

Back

The three stages are: 1) Meteoroid (in space), 2) Meteor (when it enters the atmosphere), 3) Meteorite (if it lands on Earth).

Front

What causes a comet to become visible?

Back

A comet becomes visible when it gets close to the sun, causing its ice to vaporize and form a glowing coma and tail.