What is the correct term for a meteoroid if it enters the Earth's atmosphere? (1 point)
A star
A comet
A meteor
A moon
Select ALL that apply.
A meteor
The correct term for a meteoroid if it enters the Earth's atmosphere is a meteor.
The correct term for a meteoroid if it enters the Earth's atmosphere is a meteor. To arrive at this answer, we can go through the given options one by one and determine if they are correct or not.
1. A star: This is not the correct term because a star is a celestial object that produces its own light and heat through nuclear reactions. A meteoroid entering the Earth's atmosphere is not a star.
2. A comet: This is also not the correct term. A comet is a small icy body that orbits the Sun and usually has a distinct coma (a fuzzy atmosphere) and sometimes a tail. While it is possible for a comet to enter Earth's atmosphere, when it does, it is referred to as a meteor, not a comet.
3. A meteor: This is the correct term. A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic object that orbits the Sun, and when it enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it is called a meteor. Meteors are commonly known as falling or shooting stars.
4. A moon: This is not the correct term either. A moon is a natural satellite that orbits a planet, and it is not relevant to the question of what a meteoroid is called when it enters Earth's atmosphere.
Therefore, the correct term for a meteoroid if it enters the Earth's atmosphere is a meteor.