Meteors, Comets, 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 surface.

Front

What is the main difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

Back

A meteor is a streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, while a meteorite is the part of the meteoroid that lands on Earth.

Front

Where are most asteroids located in our solar system?

Back

Most asteroids are located in the asteroid belt, which is situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What are comets primarily made of?

Back

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

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

When a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it heats up and produces a bright streak of light known as a meteor.

Front

What is the nucleus of a comet?

Back

The nucleus of a comet is a solid core made of ice and dust.

Front

Why are meteors considered harmless?

Back

Meteors are considered harmless because they usually burn up completely in the atmosphere before reaching the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the difference between meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites?

Back

Meteoroids are small pieces of rock or metal in space, meteors are the bright trails they create when entering the atmosphere, and meteorites are the remnants that land on Earth.

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 approaches the Sun.