Comets, Asteroid, and Meteors

Asteroids

The largest of the three types of space rocks and primarily circles the sun between Mars and Jupiter.

Ceres

The largest object in the asteroid belt, which is also classified as a dwarf plane

Frozen gases, ice, and rocky dust

Comets are often referred to as 'dirty snowballs' because their middle (nucleus) is primarily composed of

Kuiper Belt

the solar system is the source for 'long-period' comets that take more than 200 years to orbit the sun

Meteor

A small piece of rock or metal from space enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, creating a streak of light

Meteorite

A meteoroid that survives the atmosphere and hits the ground

Apollo asteroids

The largest collection of asteroids that orbit near Earth.

Gold, iron, and nickel

The inner asteroid belt is known for asteroids composed of heavy metals.

Mostly Rocks

The specific composition of asteroids found in the outer part of the asteroid belt

Center of the Comet

The 'nucleus' of a comet.

Oort Cloud

Region of the solar system is the source of long-period comets

Meteoroid

A small piece of rock or metal in space.

Kuiper Belt

It is located in the outer solar system, past the last giant planet.

Fireball/Bolide

An exceptionally bright asteroid falling through the atmosphere.