A Comet or a Shooting Star?

Which detail supports the idea that comets and asteroids are similar?

• Stars that burn

• It has a tail

• They will reappear

• Also orbit the sun

Which detail supports the idea that comets and asteroids have differences?

• Comets are made of ice and dirt and orbit the sun.

• Scientists have been able to keep track of a number of traveling comets.

• However, asteroids are made of rock, carbon, and metal.

• Even with a telescope, people can have trouble telling the difference between an asteroid and a comet.

Which detail shows the relationship between comets, asteroids, and meteoroids?

• Gas and dust travel behind a comet

• Asteroids are made of rock, carbon, and metal

• Meteoroids are pieces of a comet or asteroid that break off

• If it lands on Earth, it is called a meteorite

What is the central idea of the selection?

• Things from space end up on Earth eventually.

• Comets, meteoroids, and asteroids are very similar.

• Most things in space are made up of the same materials.

• Comets, meteoroids, and asteroids are all visible from Earth.

Imagine you and a friend saw a shooting star. Use details from the selection to explain exactly what you saw.