Asteroid, Comet, or Meteor???

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What is an asteroid?

Back

A small rocky body that orbits the Sun, often found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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What is a comet?

Back

A celestial object made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the Sun, displays a visible atmosphere and sometimes a tail.

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What is a meteor?

Back

A small particle from space that burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, often referred to as a shooting star.

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Where do most asteroids reside in our solar system?

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In the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

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What is the Kuiper Belt?

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

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What is the Oort Cloud?

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A theoretical cloud of icy bodies that is believed to surround the solar system at a great distance, thought to be the source of long-period comets.

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What is the composition of a comet often referred to as?

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A 'dirty snowball' due to its mixture of ice and dust.

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

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It burns up and creates a bright streak of light in the sky.

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What are the main differences between asteroids and comets?

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Asteroids are rocky and found mainly in the asteroid belt, while comets are icy and originate from the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud.

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What is the significance of asteroids in understanding the solar system's history?

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They are remnants from the early solar system, providing clues about its formation.