Less Than Five - What's the Difference Between Comets, Asteroids, Meteoroids, Meteors & Meteorites?
Updated: January 17, 2025
Summary
Comets are made up of dust, rock, and metals with an icy shell that sublimates to create a glowing coma as they orbit the sun. They are classified based on their orbit lengths. On the other hand, asteroids are rocky debris found in the solar system, mainly between Mars and Jupiter. When larger meteoroids from the asteroid belt enter Earth's atmosphere, they create meteors, and those that reach the surface are called meteorites, potentially posing a danger due to their high velocities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Comets
Comets are composed of dust, rock, and metals surrounded by a thick icy shell. They orbit something hot like the sun, and their ice sublimates creating a glow called the coma. Comets can be classified based on the length of their orbits.
Asteroids
Asteroids are rocky space debris floating around the solar system, mostly forming between Mars and Jupiter. Unlike comets, asteroids are rarely directed towards our planet.
Meteoroids
Meteoroids are larger than asteroids and come from the asteroid belt. When they enter Earth's atmosphere, they are known as meteors, creating a fascinating phenomenon in the sky.
Meteorites
Meteoroids that successfully make it to Earth's surface are called meteorites. They are usually small but can be dangerous due to their high velocities. However, they rarely pass through Earth's thick atmosphere.
FAQ
Q: What are comets composed of?
A: Comets are composed of dust, rock, and metals surrounded by a thick icy shell.
Q: How do comets create a glow known as the coma?
A: Comets create a glow known as the coma when their ice sublimates.
Q: How are comets classified based on their orbits?
A: Comets can be classified based on the length of their orbits.
Q: Where are asteroids mostly found in the solar system?
A: Asteroids are mostly found floating between Mars and Jupiter.
Q: What happens when meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere?
A: When meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere, they are known as meteors.
Q: What are meteoroids called when they successfully reach Earth's surface?
A: Meteoroids are called meteorites when they reach Earth's surface.
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