Asteroids and Meteors
⭐ MasteredAsteroids are rocky objects, mostly in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. A meteoroid that burns up in our atmosphere makes a shooting star called a meteor.
A meteorite is a space rock that lands on Earth.
All about Asteroids and Meteors
Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They range from small rocks to objects hundreds of kilometres wide, and scientists track them to watch for any that might come close to Earth.
A meteoroid is a small piece of rock or debris in space. When it enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, the bright streak it leaves is called a meteor, or a shooting star. A meteorite is a meteoroid that survives the fall and lands on the ground.
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Real-life uses of Asteroids and Meteors
- Studying the materials from which planets formed
- Tracking objects that might hit Earth
- Watching meteor showers in the night sky
Frequently asked questions about Asteroids and Meteors
What is a meteor shower?
A display of many meteors appearing in a short period, usually when Earth passes through debris left by a comet.
Did an asteroid kill the dinosaurs?
A large asteroid impact about 66 million years ago is believed to have contributed to the extinction of non-bird dinosaurs.
Are shooting stars really stars?
No. They are tiny particles burning up in the atmosphere, not stars.