Asteroid Alert! Vocabulary

Front

What is a meteor that has passed through the Earth's atmosphere and hit the ground called?

Back

Meteorite

Front

Which term describes an object that exists in the Universe, such as a planet or star?

Back

Celestial object

Front

Which term describes a large, spherical object in space that orbits a star and is large enough that its gravity clears other objects from its orbit?

Back

Planet

Front

What is a large, bowl-shaped hole in the ground usually caused by explosions or impacts?

Back

Crater

Front

An object in space with an orbit that will bring it close to Earth is called?

Back

Near-Earth object (NEO)

Front

What is the term for a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt?

Back

Asteroid

Front

What do we call the bright streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Meteor

Front

What is the name of the icy body that, when close to the Sun, develops a glowing coma and tail?

Back

Comet

Front

What is the term for the path an object takes as it moves around another object in space?

Back

Orbit

Front

What is the term for a celestial object that is smaller than a planet and orbits the Sun?

Back

Dwarf planet