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 Earth can be affected by occurrences in space, such as heavenly bodies colliding with one another. Meteorites, meteors, and meteoroids are general terms used to refer to particles from objects such as asteroids and comets. A meteoroid is a rock or particle found in space. Rocks or particles seen as a flash of light or falling star when they enter our atmosphere are referred to as meteors. Meteorites are bits of the solar system that have fallen to Earth, either from an asteroid, comet, or meteoroid.
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Asteroids are comprised primarily of heavy rocks and metal, known as indium, that reflect the Sun when viewed through a telescope. Asteroids are bigger than meteorites that hit the ground and, therefore, are more destructive. Asteroids can create craters, aftershocks, and mini-debris, similar to an earthquake.
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Comets are made primarily of ice and dust and are seen with gas around them or with a tail. Near the Sun, comets appear as flourescent images that absorb and then reflect the light. They also orbit farther out in space and appear as frozen balls of gas and dust.
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