| Definition of a
Meteor:
Small piece of
extraterrestrial matter that becomes visible as a shooting star
or falling star when it enters the earth's atmosphere. While still
outside the atmosphere, it is called a meteoroid. As a meteor
it is heated to incandescence (glowing) through friction (due
to collisions with air molecules) and usually disintegrates completely
before reaching the earth; those meteors large enough to reach
the ground are called meteorites. A meteor of considerable
duration and brightness is known as a fireball; a fireball that
explodes in the air is called a bolide.
What
is an asteroid?
Solar System
Space Science
The Moon |
