What's the Difference Between Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors? We Asked a NASA Expert

The video explains the differences between asteroids, comets, and meteors. Asteroids are rocky objects found mainly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are composed of ice and dust, and develop tails when near the Sun. Meteoroids are small fragments from asteroids or comets, and when they enter Earth's atmosphere, they become meteors, often seen as shooting stars. If a meteor reaches the ground, it is called a meteorite. The video concludes by summarizing these differences.

Where are most asteroids found in our solar system?

• Between Mars and Jupiter

• In the Kuiper Belt

• Beyond Neptune

• Near the Sun

What happens to a comet as it approaches the Sun?

• It becomes rocky

• It loses its tail

• It forms a ring

• Its ice and dust vaporize

What is a meteoroid?

• A large asteroid

• A small piece of asteroid or comet

• A planet's satellite

• A type of comet

What is the term for a meteoroid that enters Earth's atmosphere?

• Meteor

• Comet

• Asteroid

• Meteorite

What is the main difference between asteroids and comets?

• Asteroids are icy, comets are rocky

• Asteroids have tails, comets do not

• Asteroids are rocky, comets are icy

• Asteroids orbit the Earth, comets orbit the Sun