Book 1, Question 88 · Video
Meteor or Meteorite? Learn the Space Rock Difference!
Three space-rock words can be confusing, so let's break them down. A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic object traveling through space. A meteor is the bright streak of light y
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Meteor or meteorite?
The Big Idea
Meteor or meteorite? They sound alike, but they name different parts of one space rock's journey! It starts as a meteoroid in space, becomes a meteor in the sky, and if it lands, it's a meteorite. Let's break it down!
A Meteoroid Is a Space Rock
Number one: a meteoroid is a space rock. It's a small rocky or metal chunk traveling through space. Some are tiny as sand grains, some as big as boulders!
A Meteor Is the Streak in the Air
Number two: a meteor is the streak in the air. When a meteoroid zooms into Earth's air, it heats up and glows, making a bright streak of light. People call meteors shooting stars, but they aren't stars at all!
A Meteorite Is the Rock That Lands
Number three: a meteorite is the rock that lands. If part of it survives the fiery trip and lands on Earth, it's called a meteorite. Scientists study meteorites to learn about the early solar system!
One Space Rock's Journey
Here's the whole journey! In space, it's a meteoroid. Zooming through the air, it's a meteor. Landed on the ground, it's a meteorite. Here's a memory trick: a meteorite is the one that made it all the way down!
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Most meteors burn up completely in the air, before reaching the ground. Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through dusty trails left by comets. Meteors can zoom into our air at up to seventy kilometers every second! And tons of space dust land on Earth every day!
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Watch a safe meteor shower with a grown-up. Find a dark, safe spot, away from bright lights. Let your eyes adjust, and look up after midnight. Be patient, and enjoy the show! Count how many meteors you see in ten minutes.
Outro
Meteoroid in space, meteor in the air, meteorite on the ground. Keep looking up! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!