Asteroids, Comets & Dwarf Planets
Science · Space Exploration · conceptual
Identify other objects in the solar system beyond planets: asteroids (rocky bodies mostly between Mars and Jupiter), comets (icy bodies with tails when near the Sun), and meteoroids/meteors/meteorites (space rocks that enter Earth’s atmosphere)
What mastery looks like
- Describe asteroids as rocky bodies mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter
- Describe comets as icy bodies that develop a glowing tail when they approach the Sun
- Explain the difference between a meteoroid (in space), meteor (streak of light in atmosphere), and meteorite (lands on Earth)
Check your understanding
If Asteroids, Comets & Dwarf Planets saw a shooting star, could they explain that it’s actually a tiny space rock burning up in our atmosphere — and tell you the difference between that and a comet?
Prerequisites
Helpful
Unlocks (0 directly)
None.