What's the difference between asteroids and meteoroids?

Asteroids
- Definition: Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun. They are composed of various materials, such as rock, metal, and sometimes ice.
- Size: Asteroids can range in size from small rocks to objects several hundred kilometers in diameter. The largest known asteroid is Ceres, which has a diameter of about 940 kilometers.
- Location: Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region of space between Mars and Jupiter. However, they can also be found in other parts of the solar system.
- Origin: Asteroids are believed to be remnants from the early formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. They are thought to be the building blocks that never formed into planets due to the gravitational influence of Jupiter.

Meteoroids
- Definition: Meteoroids are small celestial bodies that are smaller than asteroids. They are composed of various materials, such as rock or metal.
- Size: Meteoroids can range in size from tiny specks of dust to objects several meters in diameter. They are generally smaller than asteroids.
- Location: Meteoroids can be found throughout the solar system. They can exist in space or orbit around planets, such as Earth.
- Origin: Meteoroids can originate from various sources. Some are fragments of asteroids or comets that have broken off due to collisions or other forces. Others are debris left behind by the disintegration of comets.

Differences between Asteroids and Meteoroids
1. Size: The main difference is in their size. Asteroids are generally larger, ranging from small rocks to objects several hundred kilometers in diameter, while meteoroids are smaller, ranging from tiny specks of dust to objects several meters in diameter.
2. Location: Asteroids are primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, although they can also exist elsewhere in the solar system. Meteoroids, on the other hand, can be found throughout the solar system and can orbit planets like Earth.
3. Origin: Asteroids are believed to be remnants from the early formation of the solar system and are considered the building blocks that never formed into planets. Meteoroids can originate from various sources, including fragments of asteroids or comets, as well as debris from disintegrating comets.
4. Composition: While both asteroids and meteoroids can be composed of rock and metal, asteroids can also contain ice, making them more diverse in composition.
5. Impact: When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere and survives the passage through it, it is called a meteor. The bright streak of light it produces is known as a shooting star. If a meteoroid survives the atmospheric entry and lands on Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite.

Overall, the main differences between asteroids and meteoroids lie in their size, location, origin, and composition. Asteroids are larger objects primarily found in the asteroid belt, while meteoroids are smaller and can be found throughout the solar system.