What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
- Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
- Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
- Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
| Category | Asteroids | Comets |
| Definition | Small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun | Frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system composed of dust, rock, and ices |
| Size | Much smaller than planets | Vary in size; can be larger than some planets |
| Location | Mainly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter | Primarily originate from two regions: the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud |
| Total Mass | Less than that of Earth’s Moon | Not specified |
| Appearance | Do not show a perceptible glowing tail | Have a giant glowing head/tail when closer to the sun |
| Quantity | Not specified | Likely billions orbiting our Sun |
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
