OUT OF THIS WORLD: COMETS ASTEROIDS, AND METEOROIDS By Mercury Williams Edited by __________________

In the Milky Way galaxy lies our solar system, a region composed of the sun, nine planets, and moons. Most people disregard the smaller celestial bodies called asteroids, comets, and meteoroids that fill our solar system.

COMETS

Comets, commonly known as “Fiery Boulders,” are composed entirely of rock and do not have any definite shape.

Comets appear to be fireballs of light zooming through the sky Comets appear to be fireballs of light zooming through the sky. Comets, however, do not produce their own light. Gas and dust particles reflect the sun’s light.

In 1986, scientists all over the world awaited the arrival of Halley's comet. This would be the only opportunity in history to gather information about such a comet, because its motion is extremely unpredictable.

ASTEROIDS

Asteroids are fragments of rock with an irregular shape that orbit the sun. They are too numerous to be considered planets.

All asteroids can be found orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter All asteroids can be found orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. This region is known as the asteroid belt.

Due to the fact that asteroids do not differ in composition, there can be no specific classification system. Seen one asteroid, seen them all.

METEOROIDS

Meteoroids, bits of rock and metal, are formed from asteroids and comets. These small celestial objects move throughout the solar system.

Meteors are shooting stars that fall from space to Earth Meteors are shooting stars that fall from space to Earth. Be sure to wear your safety helmet, because each day millions of meteors are making the trip.

Meteorites are meteoroids that pass through the atmosphere and hit the Earth’s surface. Meteorites are classified based on their composition.

Students, I’m having a hard time concluding this PowerPoint. Please write a summary. Thanks- Mercury