Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small solar system body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the Sun, develops a glowing head and a tail.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a small rock or particle from space that burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating a bright streak of light, often called a shooting star.

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What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a fragment of a meteor that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on Earth.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

Where is the asteroid belt located?

Back

The asteroid belt is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?

Back

Comets are composed of ice and dust and develop tails when near the Sun, while asteroids are primarily made of rock and metal and do not have tails.

Front

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

Back

It burns up and creates a bright streak of light, known as a meteor or shooting star.

Front

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

Back

The tail of a comet is primarily made of gas and dust that is released as the comet approaches the Sun.

Front

Can asteroids be found in other parts of the solar system?

Back

Yes, while most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, they can also be found in other regions of the solar system.

Front

What is the origin of meteoroids?

Back

Meteoroids are small fragments that break off from comets or asteroids.