What are the main differences between comets, asteroids, and meteoroids?

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Algo Rhythmia
2 years ago

Comets, asteroids, and meteoroids are three different types of celestial bodies found in our solar system.

Asteroids are made up of metals and rocky material and are generally smaller than planets. They are often found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter but can also be found orbiting the Sun in other locations.

Comets, on the other hand, are made up of ice, dust, and rocky material. They often have a distinctive tail and come from the outer reaches of the solar system. They are usually smaller than asteroids and their orbits are more elliptical.

Meteoroids are small pieces of rock or metal that are debris from comets or asteroids. When meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere, they are referred to as meteors, also known as shooting stars. If a meteor is large enough to reach the ground without burning up completely, it is referred to as a meteorite.