Celestial bodies in outer space are not only limited to planets, satellites, and stars. Lots of objects flying beyond Earth. These objects come in various sizes, ranging from tens to billions of kilometers in diameter.
Examples of celestial bodies that are quite small are meteors, asteroids, and comets. Don’t be confused, these three celestial bodies are different, you know! Want to know the difference? Check out the article below.
1. Meteors appear in Earth’s atmosphere
Meteor can be interpreted as a meteoroid that enters the Earth’s atmosphere. Meteors are often referred to as shooting stars. Meteoroids are rocks that float in space. Meteoroids are usually formed from asteroid fragments.
Meteors form streaks of light as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. These streaks of light are formed by meteors evaporating and burning up by the atmosphere. Often meteors burn up before they can reach the Earth’s surface. Meteors that do not burn up and hit the Earth’s surface are called meteorites.
–
2. Asteroids float freely in space
Lucy destination Trojan asteroid illustration (nasa.gov)–
Asteroids are rocks that are in outer space. Asteroids in the Solar System orbit the Sun. Asteroids are smaller than planets and most of these asteroids are in the region between Mars and Jupiter known as the asteroid belt.
Because of the large number, sometimes asteroids collide with each other. This collision can make part of the asteroid rupture. These smaller fragments are referred to as meteoroids.
–
3. Comets are made of ice and dust
Comet illustration (pexels.com/KID CANDY)–
Apart from meteoroids and asteroids, there are comets that also orbit the Sun. However, the main difference in comets lies in the material they are made of. Comets are formed from ice and dust, not rock like asteroids and meteoroids.
Continue reading the article below
Editor’s picks
–
Comets are often confused with meteors because they both produce streaks of light. However, you can see the comet from a distance because it orbits the Sun. Meanwhile, you can only see meteors when a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere.
Also Read: Recognize the Differences in the Solar System, Galaxies, and the Universe
–
4. Meteoroids and meteorites are not the same
Illustration of celestial objects (pexels.com/ARMAN ALCORDO JR.)–
Above mentioned about meteoroids and meteorites. At first glance the names of these two objects are similar and are the same type of object. However, you must know the difference.
Asteroid fragments that are still floating in space are called meteoroids. When pulled by Earth’s gravity and into the atmosphere, a meteoroid turns into a meteor. Then, when the meteor is not completely burned up by the atmosphere and hits the Earth’s surface, it is called a meteorite.
–
5. Comets come from the outer solar system
Illustrations of Comet Catalina (NASA)–
Most asteroids are in the asteroid belt region between Mars and Jupiter. Meanwhile, comets come from the outer solar system in the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt. This region is in the area after Neptune.
There are billions of comets that form in the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt. When pulled by the Sun’s gravity, the comet begins to melt. When they melt, comets also form streaks of light and drift toward the Sun.
The main difference between meteors and asteroids lies in where they are located. While the main difference between asteroids and comets lies in the materials that make them up. Besides that, you also don’t want to be upside down between meteoroids and meteorites, okay! Meteoroids are in outer space, while meteorites are on Earth’s surface
Now you know the difference between these three celestial bodies, right? Don’t forget to share this article with your friends so they both understand. Don’t forget to leave a comment below, too!
Also Read: 7 Facts About Comet Hale-Bopp Last Seen in 1997
–
–
