Asteroid vs. Meteoroid: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An asteroid is a small rocky body orbiting the Sun, mainly in the asteroid belt, while a meteoroid is a smaller rock or particle in space, often becoming a meteor if it enters Earth's atmosphere.
Key Differences
Asteroids are celestial bodies composed primarily of rock and metal, orbiting the Sun. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, forming a significant part of our solar system's structure. Meteoroids, on the other hand, are significantly smaller than asteroids, often described as space debris or fragments from asteroids or comets. These smaller particles can travel through space at high speeds and originate from various sources.
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Dec 11, 2023
In terms of size, asteroids can range from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter, making them much larger than meteoroids. This size difference is a key distinction, with asteroids sometimes being large enough to be classified as dwarf planets. Meteoroids are smaller, usually less than a meter in size, and can vary greatly in shape and composition.
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Dec 11, 2023
When an asteroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and vaporizes, it becomes a meteor (or shooting star), while a meteoroid that survives the entry and hits the Earth's surface is termed a meteorite. Asteroids rarely enter Earth's atmosphere due to their larger orbits and sizes, but meteoroids more commonly become meteors due to their smaller size and frequent interactions with Earth's gravitational field.
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Dec 11, 2023
The composition of asteroids and meteoroids also differs. Asteroids, particularly those in the asteroid belt, are remnants of the early solar system and can be composed of rock, metal, or a mixture of both. Meteoroids, being smaller fragments, can be composed of materials similar to asteroids or comets, including rock, metal, and ice.
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Dec 11, 2023
The study of asteroids provides valuable insights into the formation of the solar system, as they are considered to be relatively unchanged since its formation. Meteoroids, while also offering scientific value, are more associated with meteor showers and are studied to understand their impact on Earth's atmosphere and surface.
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Dec 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Size
Ranges from meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter
Usually less than 1 meter in size
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Location
Mainly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter
Found throughout the solar system
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Composition
Rock and metal, remnants of the early solar system
Rock, metal, and sometimes ice
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When Enters Earth's Atmosphere
Rarely enters, becomes a meteor if it does
Often becomes a meteor, a meteorite if it reaches the surface
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Dec 11, 2023
Scientific Importance
Studied for insights into solar system formation
Studied for atmospheric interaction and meteor showers
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Dec 11, 2023
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Asteroid and Meteoroid Definitions
Asteroid
Asteroids are remnants of the early solar system, mostly found in the asteroid belt.
Scientists study asteroids to understand more about the solar system's formation.
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Dec 04, 2023
Meteoroid
Meteoroids are often too small to reach Earth's surface.
Most meteoroids disintegrate in the atmosphere before reaching the ground.
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Dec 04, 2023
Asteroid
Asteroids rarely pose a threat to Earth due to their stable orbits.
Most asteroids remain within the asteroid belt and don't come close to Earth.
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Dec 04, 2023
Meteoroid
Meteoroids become meteors when they enter Earth's atmosphere.
A shooting star is actually a meteoroid turning into a meteor as it burns up in the atmosphere.
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Dec 04, 2023
Asteroid
An asteroid is a small rocky body in space, orbiting the Sun.
The largest asteroid in the asteroid belt is Ceres, which is also classified as a dwarf planet.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Meteoroid
A meteoroid is a small particle or rock in space.
Meteoroids can originate from the debris of comets or asteroids.
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Dec 04, 2023
Asteroid
Large asteroids are sometimes classified as dwarf planets.
Pluto was once considered the ninth planet before being reclassified as a dwarf planet, similar to large asteroids.
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Dec 04, 2023
Meteoroid
Meteoroids vary in size, typically being less than a meter.
Meteoroids can range from dust-sized particles to larger, pebble-sized fragments.
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Dec 04, 2023
Asteroid
Asteroids can vary greatly in size and composition.
Some asteroids are primarily metallic, while others are rocky.
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Dec 04, 2023
Meteoroid
Meteoroids contribute to meteor showers when Earth passes through a comet's orbit.
The Perseid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, made up of meteoroids.
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Dec 04, 2023
Asteroid
(Astronomy) Any of numerous small solar system bodies that revolve around the sun, with orbits lying chiefly between Mars and Jupiter and characteristic diameters roughly between one and several hundred kilometers. Also called minor planet, planetoid.
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Dec 01, 2023
Meteoroid
A solid body, moving in interplanetary space, that is smaller than an asteroid and at least as large as a speck of dust.
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Dec 01, 2023
Meteoroid
(astronomy) A relatively small (sand- to boulder-sized) fragment of debris in a star system that produces a meteor when it hits the atmosphere
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Dec 01, 2023
Meteoroid
A small body moving through space, or revolving about the sun, which on entering the earth's atmosphere would be deflagrated and appear as a meteor.
These bodies [small, solid bodies] before they come into the air, I call meteoroids.
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Dec 01, 2023
Asteroid
(zoology) Any member of the taxonomic class Asteroidea; a starfish
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Dec 01, 2023
Meteoroid
(astronomy) any of the small solid extraterrestrial bodies that hits the earth's atmosphere
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Dec 01, 2023
Asteroid
(astronomy) A naturally occurring solid object, which is smaller than a planet, larger than a meteoroid and not a comet, that orbits a star and often has an irregular shape.
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Dec 01, 2023
Asteroid
(astronomy) In the Solar system, such a body that orbits within the orbit of Jupiter
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Dec 01, 2023
Asteroid
A starlike body; esp. one of the numerous small planets whose orbits lie between those of Mars and Jupiter; - called also planetoids and minor planets.
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Dec 01, 2023
Asteroid
Any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter)
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Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can asteroids become meteors?
Rarely, but if an asteroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it becomes a meteor.
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Dec 11, 2023
How big can asteroids get?
Some asteroids, like Ceres, can be nearly 1,000 kilometers in diameter.
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Dec 11, 2023
What happens to a meteoroid that reaches Earth's surface?
A meteoroid that reaches Earth's surface is called a meteorite.
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Dec 11, 2023
What primarily differentiates an asteroid from a meteoroid?
Size and location are key differentiators, with asteroids being larger and mainly located in the asteroid belt.
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Dec 11, 2023
Where do meteoroids come from?
Meteoroids can come from comets, asteroids, or even the Moon or Mars.
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Dec 11, 2023
Are meteoroids dangerous to Earth?
Most meteoroids are too small to pose a threat and burn up in the atmosphere.
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Dec 11, 2023
What causes a meteor shower?
Meteor showers are caused when Earth passes through debris, mostly meteoroids, from comets.
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Dec 11, 2023
Are asteroids and meteoroids made of the same material?
They can be, but asteroids generally have a more diverse composition.
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Dec 11, 2023
Are meteoroids older than asteroids?
They can be, as both are remnants of the early solar system.
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Dec 11, 2023
How do scientists classify asteroids?
Asteroids are classified based on their orbit, size, and composition.
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Dec 11, 2023
What is the largest known asteroid?
The largest known asteroid is Ceres, which is also classified as a dwarf planet.
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Dec 11, 2023
Do asteroids have stable orbits?
Most asteroids have stable orbits, especially those in the asteroid belt.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can we see asteroids from Earth?
Some asteroids can be seen with telescopes, and occasionally with the naked eye.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can asteroids support life?
There is no evidence that asteroids can support life as we know it.
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Dec 11, 2023
How are asteroids and meteoroids studied?
They are studied through telescopes, space missions, and analysis of meteorites.
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Dec 11, 2023
Do asteroids and meteoroids have any commercial value?
Some asteroids may contain valuable metals, making them targets for future space mining.
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Dec 11, 2023
How often do asteroids hit Earth?
Large asteroid impacts are rare, occurring once every few million years.
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Dec 11, 2023
What are most meteoroids composed of?
They are typically composed of rock, metal, or sometimes ice.
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Dec 11, 2023
Are meteoroids affected by Earth's gravity?
Yes, Earth's gravity can attract meteoroids, pulling them into the atmosphere.
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Dec 11, 2023
Do all meteoroids become meteors?
Only those entering Earth's atmosphere become meteors.
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Dec 11, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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