Meteorites and Their Characteristics

The video explains that what is often called a 'shooting star' is actually a meteor. Space is filled with debris like dust and rocks, known as meteoroids. When these enter Earth's atmosphere, they become meteors, burning up due to friction. The colors of meteors can vary based on speed and metal content. If a meteor is large enough, it may survive the atmosphere and land as a meteorite, sometimes creating an impact crater. The video concludes by clarifying that wishes are made on meteors, not stars.

What is the term used for space debris before it enters Earth's atmosphere?

• Meteoroid

• Meteorite

• Meteor

• Comet

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

• It becomes a star

• It becomes a planet

• It becomes a meteor

• It becomes a comet

Which metal would likely cause a meteor to burn with a blue light?

• Magnesium

• Iron

• Copper

• Sodium

What is the term for a meteor that reaches the Earth's surface?

• Meteorite

• Asteroid

• Meteor

• Comet

How common is it for a meteorite to create an impact crater?

• Frequent

• Very common

• Rare

• Impossible

What is the typical size of most meteorites?

• Larger than a car

• Size of a mountain

• Smaller than a breadbox

• Size of a house

What did the person actually wish upon, according to Ms. Readwell?

• A planet

• A comet

• A meteor

• A star