Asteroids, Meteors, and Comets

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small piece of an asteroid that travels through space.

Front

What force keeps planets, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids in orbit around the sun?

Back

Gravity is the force that keeps these objects in orbit around the sun.

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a meteor that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface.

Front

What do asteroids, meteors, and comets have in common?

Back

They all orbit the sun.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a meteoroid that burns up in the Earth's atmosphere and appears as a 'shooting star'.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the sun, displays a visible atmosphere or coma and sometimes a tail.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteor?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle from space, while a meteor is the flash of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is the main component of asteroids?

Back

Asteroids are primarily made of rock and metal.

Front

What happens to a meteoroid when it enters the Earth's atmosphere?

Back

It becomes a meteor and may burn up or create a bright streak of light.

Front

What is the tail of a comet made of?

Back

The tail of a comet is made of gas and dust that is released when the comet gets close to the sun.