A meteoroid is a solid object that moves in space. It is smaller than an asteroid and has a different composition than a comet. When they, enter Earth’s atmosphere they can heat up and appear as streaks of light.
A meteoroid is a solid object made of a similar composition to an asteroid but is much smaller in size. Meteoroids are defined by the International Astronomical Union as “a solid natural object of a size roughly between 30 micrometers and 1 meter moving in, or coming from, interplanetary space.” The dimensions listed are not upper and lower boundaries to the definition of a meteoroid, which is why the term "roughly" is used. Objects smaller than meteoroids are known as dust. Most meteoroids come from the asteroid belt, but some can come from other nearby bodies, like the Moon. The name comes from the Greek meteoros, meaning "high in the air". Meteoroids can be classified in two groups, iron or stony, based on their composition.
As the meteoroid falls through the atmosphere, the temperature can increase, causing it to emit light. These are also known as shooting or falling stars. The part of the meteoroid that survives the journey through the Earth’s atmosphere and ultimately hits the ground is known as a meteorite. It is estimated that tens of thousands of meteoroids hit the Earth’s surface every year, and many more burn up whilst travelling through the atmosphere. There has only been one recorded incident of one injuring someone. In 1954 a woman in Sylcauga, Alabama, had to be taken to hospital after a 20kg rock came through the roof of her house.
A meteor shower occurs when many meteoroids can be observed in the sky. As they are all traveling parallel to each other it appears as if they are all coming from one location. Extremely bright meteors are known as fireball. These are meteoroids that have a luminosity brighter than venus as the fall through the atmosphere.
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Try it for Free!Meteoroid Key Terms
- Meteoroid - A space object that has a similar composition to an asteroid but is smaller
- Meteorite - The remains of a meteoroid after travelling through the Earth’s atmosphere
- Shooting Star - A bright trail of light caused by a hot meteoroid as it travels through the atmosphere
How Tos about What is a Meteoroid?
How to Create an Interactive Meteoroid Fact Wall in Your Classroom
Engage your students in learning about meteoroids by building a collaborative fact wall that sparks curiosity and encourages research skills.
Gather engaging resources about meteoroids
Collect books, images, and short videos about meteoroids for your students to explore. Having a variety of materials ensures every learner can find something interesting!
Assign students to research fun facts
Divide your class into small groups and give each group a specific aspect of meteoroids to investigate, like their size, where they come from, or famous meteor showers. This fosters teamwork and deepens understanding.
Let students design creative fact cards
Encourage kids to write or draw their discoveries on colorful cards or paper. Adding visuals makes the fact wall more inviting and memorable for everyone.
Display and discuss the fact wall together
Hang the finished fact cards on a bulletin board or wall and invite students to present their facts to the class. This interactive display keeps learning ongoing and gives everyone a chance to shine.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is a Meteoroid?
What is a meteoroid?
A meteoroid is a small rock or particle from space that travels through our solar system. If it enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it creates a streak of light called a meteor.
How is a meteoroid different from a meteor or meteorite?
A meteoroid is a space rock before it enters Earth's atmosphere. When it enters and burns up, it's called a meteor. If it lands on the ground, it's known as a meteorite.
Where do meteoroids come from?
Meteoroids usually come from comets or asteroids. They are small pieces that break off and travel through space until they sometimes enter Earth's atmosphere.
Why do meteoroids burn up in Earth's atmosphere?
Meteoroids burn up in the atmosphere because of friction with air, which causes them to heat up and glow, creating a meteor or 'shooting star' effect.
Can meteoroids reach Earth's surface?
Yes, if a meteoroid survives its fiery journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth, it is called a meteorite.
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