Comets, Asteroids, and Meteoroids...Oh My!

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a small particle from space that burns up in Earth's atmosphere, creating a bright streak of light.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is an icy small body that, when it gets close to the sun, develops a tail of gas and dust.

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle from space that is still in space and has not yet entered Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a large, rocky object that orbits the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it heats up and burns up, becoming a meteor.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteor?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle in space, while a meteor is the light phenomenon created when a meteoroid burns up in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the composition of a comet?

Back

Comets are composed of ice, dust, and rocky material.

Front

Where do most asteroids reside in our solar system?

Back

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

Front

What causes a comet's tail?

Back

A comet's tail is caused by the solar wind and radiation pressure from the sun, which pushes gas and dust away from the comet as it approaches the sun.