Asteroids and other Space Rocks
In this section we will be learning about the other objects in space. The Comets, Asteroids, and the Meteoroids. We will also take a look at the cycle of Meteoroids and how they can become Meteors and even Meteorites.
Here is a link to the Comet vs Asteroid Reading Packet
Here is a link to the Comet vs Asteroid Reading Packet Worksheet.
What is a Comet?
A comet is a small celestial object that is made out of dust and ice, kind of like a dirty snow ball.
For more information you can visit these resources; Astronomy for Kids, nineplanets.org/comets, ESA Kids
What is an Asteroid?
An asteroid is a large celestial object, basically a "space rock". Some can be very large, while others are as small as a grain of sand. Due to their smaller size, asteroids do not have enough gravity to pull themselves into the shape of a ball.
For more information you can visit these resources; Astronomy for Kids, Science Kids,ESA Kids
What is a Meteoroid?
A meteoroid is a small celestial object or "space rock" or debris that ranges in size from dust to around 10 meters in diameter (larger objects are usually referred to as asteroids). Depending on what happens to a Meteoroid, it can change names. This is explained below in the Cycle of a Meteoroid
For more information you can visit these resources; Astronomy for Kids, Science Kids,ESA Kids
The Cycle of a Meteoroid
A Meteoroid floats in the void (of space). If it gets too close to Earth it will get trapped in Earths gravity and becomes a meteor.
A Meteor burns up in the atmosph "or". A meteoroid that enters Earth's atmosphere will begin to burn up. If it burns up completely is a meteor
A Meteorite "might" hit you. A meteor that does not burn up completely will hit Earth's surface causing a crater.
Review the differences between the space rocks in this image.
