Non-Planetary Objects

Front

What is the hazy area around the nucleus of a comet called?

Back

coma

Front

Which planet helps to protect Earth from meteoroid collisions?

Back

Jupiter

Front

What do we call a meteor that survives Earth's atmosphere and hits the ground?

Back

Meteorite

Front

What happens to the tail of a comet as it gets closer to the sun?

Back

The tail appears and points away from the sun.

Front

Where are meteoroids typically found?

Back

Near Earth and the Asteroid Belt.

Front

What is a comet made of?

Back

Ice, dust, and rocky material.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteor?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle in space; a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is the main component of a comet's nucleus?

Back

Frozen gases and dust.

Front

What is the term for a small rocky body that orbits the sun, often found in the asteroid belt?

Back

Asteroid.

Front

What do we call the bright streak of light that a meteoroid creates when it burns up in the atmosphere?

Back

Meteor.