Understanding the Difference: Meteor, Meteorite, and Meteoroid

In the night sky, we often see shooting stars. These are not really stars but are related to three different words: meteor, meteorite, and meteoroid. Let’s learn what each one means!

Meteor

The word meteor comes from the Greek word “meteoros,” which means “high in the sky.” A meteor is what we see when a small piece of space rock enters the Earth’s atmosphere and burns up, creating a bright streak in the sky.

Example Sentences

• I saw a meteor last night while walking home.
• The meteor lit up the entire sky for a few seconds.
• Many people make wishes when they see a meteor.
• The meteor shower in August is very popular.
• It scared the cat when the meteor flashed across the sky.

Meteorite

A meteorite is a piece of space rock that survives its trip through the atmosphere and lands on the Earth’s surface. This word comes from the same Greek root but with an “ite,” meaning it relates to something.

Example Sentences

• The scientist found a small meteorite in the desert.
• Meteorites can be very valuable to collectors.
• A large meteorite can create a crater.
• The museum has a big meteorite on display.
• Small meteorites hit the Earth all the time.

Meteoroid

A meteoroid is a small rock or piece of metal from space that is smaller than an asteroid. It travels in space before it enters Earth’s atmosphere. The word has the same Greek roots but refers to the object while it is still in space.

Example Sentences

• A meteoroid is like a space pebble.
• Many meteoroids come from comets or asteroids.
• A meteoroid becomes a meteor when it enters our atmosphere.
• Some meteoroids are very old, even older than Earth.
• The scientists track meteoroids to study their behavior.

Trick to Remember

Here’s a simple way to remember:

• Meteoroid: The rock in space.
• Meteor: The streak of light when it enters our atmosphere.
• Meteorite: The piece that lands on Earth.

Summary

To summarize, a meteoroid is a small rock or metal piece in space. When it enters the Earth’s atmosphere and burns up, it becomes a meteor, creating a bright light. If part of it lands on Earth, it is called a meteorite.