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Rocks in space that enter the Earth’s atmosphere are called meteoroids. Meteoroids heat up and glow as they pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. This phenomenon is called a meteor or shooting star. Most meteors burn up before they hit the Earth’s surface. When a meteor strikes the Earth, it can form a pit called a crater.

1. Read the introductory text and become familiar with the difference between the terms meteoroid and meteorite.
2. Look at the picture and choose the only correct answer to the questions.

• As the meteor approaches the Earth and its atmosphere, it increases its speed. Why is this so?

A. The meteorite is pulled by the Earth’s rotation.
B. The meteorite is pushed by the light of the Sun.
C. The meteorite is attracted by the Earth.
D. The meteorite is repelled by the vacuum of space.

• What is the effect of a planet’s atmosphere on the number of craters on its surface? Based on the introductory text, select the only correct option from the options marked.

The denser a planet’s atmosphere, the more/less craters its surface will have because more/less meteoroids will burn up in the atmosphere.

Source: https://depositphotos.com/photo/asteroid-impact-19743313.html

3. Observe the following three craters.

Source: https://depositphotos.com/photo/moon-65228727.html

4. Sort the craters A, B, C from largest to smallest according to the size of the meteorites that caused them.