Asteroids, Meteors, and Comets Flashcard

Front

What is the name of the atmosphere created by a comet when it warms near the sun?

Back

Coma

Front

Where are most asteroids located in the solar system?

Back

On the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter

Front

What is a meteor called when it reaches the Earth's surface?

Back

Meteorite

Front

What are comets primarily made of?

Back

Ice, rock, and dust

Front

What happens to meteors when they enter the Earth's atmosphere?

Back

They burn up and produce a fireball

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 streak of light produced when a meteoroid burns up in the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is the Oort Cloud?

Back

A theoretical cloud of icy bodies that is believed to surround the solar system and is the source of long-period comets.

Front

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Back

A region of the solar system beyond Neptune, populated with many small icy bodies, including short-period comets.

Front

How do comets differ from asteroids?

Back

Comets are primarily made of ice and dust, while asteroids are made mostly of rock and metal.

Front

What is a shooting star?

Back

A common name for a meteor, which is the visible path of a meteoroid as it burns up in the Earth's atmosphere.