Meteors, Comets, Asteroids

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space, often a fragment of a comet or asteroid.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up due to friction.

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

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

Front

Where are most asteroids located in our solar system?

Back

Most asteroids are located in the asteroid belt 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 happens when a comet approaches the Sun?

Back

When a comet approaches the Sun, it heats up and releases gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and often a tail.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid, meteor, and meteorite?

Back

Meteoroids are small space rocks, meteors are the light phenomena when they enter the atmosphere, and meteorites are those that land on Earth.

Front

Are meteors harmful to Earth?

Back

Meteors are generally considered harmless as they burn up in the atmosphere before reaching the ground.

Front

What is the main difference between asteroids and comets?

Back

Asteroids are mostly rocky and metallic, while comets are icy and contain more volatile compounds.

Front

Can meteoroids come from asteroids?

Back

Yes, meteoroids can be fragments that break off from asteroids.