Definitions
What do we call metallic, rocky objects in space that orbit the sun?
Asteroids
Why do asteroids burn up in earth's atmosphere?
Friction creates heat
Which planet has the large "Red Spot?"
Jupiter
What do comets and asteroids have in common with the planets?
They all orbit the sun.
Spherical/round objects that orbit the sun, but do not have a clear path of orbit
dwarf planets
What do we call large collections of ice, dust, and rocky particles?
Comets
What do comets and asteroids have in common with each other?
They orbit the earth
Which two planets rotate backwards?
Venus and Uranus
Where is the asteroid belt located?
Between Mars and Jupiter
What is the name of the only dwarf planet in the asteroid belt?
Ceres
What do we call meteoroids when they are producing a streak of light in the sky?
Meteor
What do asteroids and meteoroids have in common?
They are both made from rocks. "roids"
Which planet is titled 90 degrees and is laying on its side?
Uranus
Where is the Kuiper Belt located?
Past the orbit of Neptune
Where are comets found?
in the Oort Cloud
What do we called a meteoroid that has crashed into earth?
A meteorite
Why do comets form tails?
The sun melts the ice
Which planet(s) have rings?
The gas giants/outer planets/Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Mars
What do asteroids, meteors, and the inner planets all have in common?
They're made of rock and metal.
Where are dwarf planets mostly found?
in the asteroid belt
What do we call the inner "head" portion of a comet?
a nucleus
What are the two tails of a comet made of?
Which planet is known for being extremely windy?
Neptune
Why does the Earth's moon have more craters than the Earth?
It has no atmosphere, so meteors don't burn up before crashing into the surface as meteorites.
What shape orbit do asteroids and comets follow around the sun?
Elliptical