Comets Meteors and Asteroids

How do scientists track asteroids?

• Using telescopes and radar to monitor their orbits and predict potential impacts with Earth.

• By sending spacecraft to capture them and bring them back to Earth.

• By observing them with the naked eye during clear nights.

• Using sonar technology to detect their presence in space.

What is a meteor?

• A small particle from space that burns up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, creating a streak of light.

• A large rock that orbits the sun and can collide with planets.

• A type of cloud that forms in the atmosphere.

• A weather phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms.

What is a comet?

• A celestial object made of ice, dust, and rocky particles that develops a tail when it approaches the Sun.

• A large star that has exploded and is no longer visible.

• A planet that orbits the Sun in a circular path.

• A type of asteroid that is found in the asteroid belt.

What is the significance of studying comets?

• Studying comets helps scientists understand the early solar system and the origins of water and organic materials on Earth.

• Comets are primarily composed of metals and are studied for their potential mining value.

• Studying comets allows scientists to predict future asteroid impacts on Earth.

• Comets are used to measure the distance between stars in the universe.

What is the nucleus of a comet?

• The solid core of a comet, made of ice and dust.

• A cloud of gas surrounding the comet.

• The tail of the comet that points away from the sun.

• A region of space where comets are formed.

What happens to a comet as it approaches the Sun?

• It heats up, causing its ice to vaporize and form a glowing coma and tail.

• It breaks apart into smaller pieces due to gravitational forces.

• It slows down and loses its orbit around the Sun.

• It remains unchanged and continues on its path.

What is an asteroid?

• A small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

• A large gaseous planet located beyond Neptune.

• A celestial object made entirely of ice and dust.

• A type of star that has exploded in a supernova.

What is the difference between a comet's tail and a meteor's trail?

• A comet's tail is formed by gas and dust released as it approaches the Sun, while a meteor's trail is the light produced by a meteoroid burning up in the atmosphere.

• A comet's tail is a solid mass that travels with the comet, while a meteor's trail is a permanent mark in the sky.

• A comet's tail is made of ice and rock, while a meteor's trail is created by the gravitational pull of the Earth.

• A comet's tail disappears when it moves away from the Sun, while a meteor's trail lasts for several minutes.

What are the components of a comet?

• Ice, dust, and small rocky particles.

• Gas and liquid metals.

• Only ice and gas.

• Rocky materials and large asteroids.

Can meteors be harmful to Earth?

• Yes, they can cause significant damage upon impact.

• No, most meteors are harmless as they burn up in the atmosphere before reaching the ground.

• Only large meteors can be harmful to Earth.

• Meteors are always harmful regardless of their size.