Asteroids, Comets, Meteors Check

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a meteor that survives its passage through Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface, often forming a crater.

Front

What force keeps planets, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids in orbit around the sun?

Back

Gravity is the force that keeps these objects in orbit around the sun.

Front

What does a comet look like?

Back

A comet looks like a 'dirty snowball' because it is made of ice, gas, and dust.

Front

How often can we see Halley's Comet?

Back

Halley's Comet has a long, narrow orbit around the sun and can be seen from Earth approximately once every 76 years.

Front

What is the main difference between a comet and an asteroid?

Back

Comets are made mostly of ice and gas, while asteroids are primarily made of rock and metal.

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space, smaller than an asteroid.

Front

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

Back

When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it becomes a meteor and produces a bright streak of light as it burns up.

Front

What is the term for a bright streak of light produced by a meteoroid in the atmosphere?

Back

The bright streak of light is called a meteor.

Front

What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

Back

A meteor is the flash of light seen when a meteoroid burns up in the atmosphere, while a meteorite is what remains after it lands on Earth.

Front

What are asteroids primarily made of?

Back

Asteroids are primarily made of rock and metal.