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Questions and Answers
Where do comets come from in the Solar System?
Where do comets come from in the Solar System?
Comets originate in the outer Solar System, mostly from the Oort Cloud and some from the Kuiper Belt.
Where are asteroids located within our Solar System?
Where are asteroids located within our Solar System?
Many asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter.
How are meteors and meteorites different?
How are meteors and meteorites different?
Meteoroids are pieces of rock in space, meteors are flashes of light when they enter Earth's atmosphere, and meteorites are pieces that reach Earth's surface.
What are the different types of meteorites?
What are the different types of meteorites?
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Define the terms comet, asteroid, and meteoroid.
Define the terms comet, asteroid, and meteoroid.
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Study Notes
Comets
- Comets are icy bodies composed of frozen gases, dust, and rocky materials.
- They can be as large as a small town.
- Originates primarily from the Oort Cloud, an area far beyond the planets in the outer Solar System.
- Some comets are also sourced from the Kuiper Belt, located closer to the Sun.
Asteroids
- Asteroids are predominantly located in the asteroid belt, situated between Mars and Jupiter.
- Thousands of asteroids orbit within this belt, contributing to the material found in the Solar System.
- The term "asteroid" means "star-like," reflecting their point-like appearance from Earth.
Meteors and Meteorites
- Meteoroids are fragments of rock and materials that exist within the Solar System.
- When meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere, they create a flash of light known as a meteor.
- If any part of a meteoroid survives the journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth, it is referred to as a meteorite.
Types of Meteorites
- Meteorites are classified into several types including:
- Stony primitive
- Carbon-rich primitive
- Metal-rich
- Rocky
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge about comets and asteroids with these flashcards from Astronomy Unit 8. Learn where comets originate and where asteroids are located within our Solar System. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of celestial objects.
