Asteroids, Meteors, and Comets Flashcard

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a rock still in space.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a meteoroid that has entered the Earth's atmosphere and produces a bright streak of light as it burns up.

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a meteoroid that has landed on the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the estimated number of meteorites that reach the Earth's surface annually?

Back

Approximately 6,100 meteorites.

Front

What is the first asteroid discovered that is considered a dwarf planet?

Back

Ceres.

Front

How large is Ceres in diameter?

Back

Ceres is about 1,000 kilometers in diameter.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the Sun, displays a visible atmosphere or coma and sometimes a tail.

Front

What does a comet look like as seen from Earth?

Back

A comet appears as a bright streak of light in the sky.

Front

What is the difference between an asteroid and a comet?

Back

Asteroids are rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, while comets are icy bodies that release gas or dust.

Front

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

Back

The nucleus of a comet is primarily composed of ice and dust.