Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors

Front

What force causes a meteoroid to burn up when entering Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Friction

Front

What object in space is often described as a 'dirty snowball'?

Back

Comet

Front

Where are asteroids primarily found in the Solar System?

Back

In the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter

Front

Which two planets are separated by the asteroid belt?

Back

Mars and Jupiter

Front

Why does a comet's tail always point away from the sun?

Back

Because the sun gives off a strong solar wind blowing the tail away.

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A small rocky or metallic body in outer space.

Front

What is the difference between a meteor and a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is in space, while a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid burns up in Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What are comets primarily made of?

Back

Ice, gas, and dust.

Front

What is the Oort Cloud?

Back

A theoretical cloud of icy bodies located beyond the orbit of Neptune.

Front

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

Back

It burns up and creates a meteor.