Short Wave Twinkle, Twinkle, Shooting Star
Aug 10, 2022
Get ready for the Perseid meteor shower! A planetary scientist shares the difference between meteors and the stars they aren't. Discover the cosmic influence of comets on our solar system and how they dance through space. Learn about the fascinating journey of meteoroids as they transform into meteors and land as meteorites. The conversation also touches on the historical impact of these celestial events on Earth, all wrapped up with a fun take on celebrity wishes under shooting stars!
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Space Rocks
- Asteroids are hunks of rock from the asteroid belt.
- Comets are icy, dusty snowballs orbiting the sun, often beyond Neptune.
Comet Tails
- Comets have beautiful tails made of ice and dust.
- This happens as the icy parts turn from solid into gas when they approach the Sun.
Meteors
- A meteor is a general term for an asteroid or comet falling through Earth's atmosphere.
- It's a bright streak, usually a pea-sized rock, burning up as it enters the atmosphere.