Space Rocks and Their Characteristics

Front

The main difference between an asteroid and a comet

Back

An asteroid is made mostly of rock and metal, while a comet is made of ice, dust, and gas and develops a tail when it gets close to the Sun.

Front

A space rock made mostly of ice and dust that develops a tail when it gets close to the Sun

Back

A comet.

Front

A small rock from space that burns up in Earth's atmosphere, creating a streak of light

Back

A meteor.

Front

A small rock or particle from space that is floating around in space before entering Earth's atmosphere

Back

A meteoroid.

Front

A meteoroid that survives its journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth

Back

A meteorite.

Front

The location of most asteroids in our solar system

Back

In the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What causes a meteor to glow as it moves through Earth's atmosphere

Back

Friction with the atmosphere causes it to heat up and burn, producing a bright streak of light.

Front

The difference between a meteoroid and an asteroid

Back

A meteoroid is much smaller than an asteroid.

Front

A type of space rock that is sometimes called a 'shooting star'

Back

A meteor.

Front

The difference between a meteor and a meteorite

Back

A meteor burns up in the atmosphere, while a meteorite survives and lands on Earth's surface.