Objects in Space

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What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a small piece of rock or metal from space that burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating a bright streak of light in the sky.

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What happens to comets as they approach the Sun?

Back

As comets approach the Sun, they develop enormous tails of luminous material due to the heat causing their ice to vaporize.

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What is an irregular galaxy?

Back

An irregular galaxy is a type of galaxy that does not have a distinct regular shape, often appearing chaotic in structure.

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What is a dwarf planet?

Back

A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun and is similar to a planet but does not clear its orbit of other debris. An example is Pluto.

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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.

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What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space, smaller than an asteroid, that can become a meteor when it enters Earth's atmosphere.

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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.

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What is the solar system?

Back

The solar system is a collection of celestial bodies, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, bound by gravity.

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What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

Back

A meteor is the flash of light produced when a meteoroid enters the atmosphere, while a meteorite is the actual piece that lands on Earth.

Front

What are the main types of galaxies?

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The main types of galaxies are spiral, elliptical, and irregular.