Meteor, Meteoroid, Meteorite Make-up Lab

Please answer these questions in complete sentences. Some of the information you may find in your Sciencesaurus, but you may also need to use resource books or the Internet. Print out this page and attach it to the back of your paper.

1. How and when do scientists think meteors may have formed?

2. How are the orbits of meteors similar to, or different from, planetary orbits?

3. How has Earth’s history been influenced by occasional natural catastrophes, such as meteorite impacts?

4. Although meteorites are considered natural catastrophes on Earth, they are not considered the same for other planets. Why do you think this is so?

5. What challenges do scientists face when they forecast meteorites impacts?

6. What is the scientists’ role in reducing the risks of such an event?

7. What is the difference between a meteor, meteoroid, and meteorite?