Comets, Meteors, Asteroids

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small icy body in space that, when close to the Sun, heats up and begins to release gases, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a tail.

Front

Where are asteroids primarily found in the Solar System?

Back

Asteroids are primarily found in the Asteroid Belt, which is located between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

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

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteor?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle from space, while a meteor is the flash of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the Asteroid Belt.

Front

What is a crater?

Back

A crater is a deep impression left on the surface of a planet or moon caused by the impact of a meteorite.

Front

What is the Oort Cloud?

Back

The Oort Cloud is a theoretical cloud of icy bodies that is believed to exist at the farthest reaches of the Solar System, beyond the orbit of Neptune.

Front

What happens to a comet when it gets close to the Sun?

Back

When a comet gets close to the Sun, it heats up, causing its ice to vaporize and form a glowing coma and sometimes a tail.

Front

What is the largest type of space object: asteroid, meteoroid, or comet?

Back

Asteroids are generally larger than meteoroids and comets.