Meteoroids, Asteroids and Comets — Practice Questions

Question 1

A small rock burning up in the Earth's atmosphere ('shooting star') is a:

Accepted Answer

meteor — Burning in the atmosphere, it is a meteor.

Question 2

A space rock that lands on the Earth's surface is a:

Accepted Answer

meteorite — If it reaches the ground it is a meteorite.

Question 3

Which body is made of ice and dust and grows a bright tail near the Sun?

Accepted Answer

A comet — A comet grows a tail near the Sun.

Question 4

Most asteroids orbit the Sun in a belt between:

Accepted Answer

Mars and Jupiter — The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter.

Question 5

A small rock travelling in space (before entering the atmosphere) is a:

Accepted Answer

meteoroid — In space it is a meteoroid.

Question 6

A comet's tail always points:

Accepted Answer

away from the Sun — The solar wind pushes the tail away from the Sun.