L2.3 Comets & Asteroids

• What does NEO stand for in astronomy?

  Near Earth Objects
• What are comets and asteroids remnants of?

  Formation of the solar system
• How do comets and asteroids differ from planets?

  They are smaller than planets
• Where do asteroids primarily travel?

  In the asteroid belt
• What is the typical location of most asteroids?

  Between the inner and outer planets
• What are the three classifications of asteroids?C-type, M-type, S-type
• What are C-type asteroids primarily made of?

  Clay and silicate rocks
• What materials are S-type asteroids composed of?

  Silicate materials and nickel-iron
• What characterizes M-type asteroids?

  They are metallic
• Where do comets primarily travel?

  In the Kuiper belt and Oort cloud
• What type of orbits do comets have?

  Elliptical orbits
• How long can a comet's orbit take to complete?

  Hundreds of thousands of years
• What defines a "Short period" comet?

  Orbit takes less than 200 years
• What defines a "Long period" comet?

  Orbit takes more than 1000 years
• What are comets primarily made of?

  Rock, ice, and organic molecules
• How wide can comets range?

  A few miles to tens of miles
• What happens when a comet approaches the sun?

  It heats up and releases gases
• What is outgassing in relation to comets?

  Release of gases and dust
• What is Halley's Comet known for?

  Visible every 75-76 years
• Why is Halley's Comet significant for visibility?

  Only known short period comet visible to naked eye
• When was the DA14 asteroid observed?

  February 16, 2012
• What is a meteoroid?

  Object in space outside Earth's atmosphere
• What is a meteor?

  Object inside Earth's atmosphere
• What is a meteorite?

  Land meteor touching Earth's surface
• How do asteroids and comets differ in composition?

  • Asteroids: Rocky
  • Comets: Dust and ice
  • Comets form tails when near the sun
• What is the distinction between asteroids and meteoroids?

  • Asteroids: Larger, orbiting in space
  • Meteoroids: Smaller, potential to collide with planets