Other Objects in the Solar System Answers

In a Venn diagram, the separate circles contain characteristics unique to each item being compared and the intersections contain characteristics that are common to both items being compared. This Venn diagram compares meteoroids, asteroids, and comets.

A scientist is tracking an object orbiting the Sun that is found between Mars and Jupiter. Which additional feature can be used to determine the object is an asteroid?

Which term specifically describes small chunks of rocks and debris in space that travel through the Earth’s atmosphere and hit its surface?

A scientist discovers a deep bowl-like divot under the ocean off the coast of eastern Mexico that is many kilometers across. The layers of the ground all around the continent from around the time that structure formed contain large amounts of iridium and a larger number of fossils than is normally found. What most likely caused the bowl-like structure?

Shelly was surprised to learn the dwarf planet Pluto used to be considered a planet. What would have had to be true for Pluto to remain categorized as a planet?

65 million years ago there was a mass extinction that is best known for killing the dinosaurs. There was also a large deposit of dust that contained substances only found in asteroids. What most likely killed off the dinosaurs?

What is a small, rocky object that orbits the Sun and is usually found in a belt between Mars and Jupiter?

Which of the following are dwarf planets? Check all that apply.

Abdid is an astronomer who has been observing objects that orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt. He finds a previously undiscovered round, rocky object that is not similar in shape to the rest of the asteroids. What has Abdid most likely found?

Annalise observes a streak of light in the sky and says she is seeing a shooting star. What is she most likely observing?