How are meteoroids defined?

Meteoroids are defined as small rocky or metallic bodies that travel through space. This definition captures the essence of what meteoroids are: they are typically fragments that are smaller than asteroids and can be made of various materials including rock and metal.

Meteoroids can originate from comets, asteroids, or even from the debris of planetary bodies, which reflects their diverse nature and the different cosmic processes they are involved in. When a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it creates a visible streak of light known as a meteor. The key aspect that distinguishes meteoroids from other celestial bodies is their size and their behavior as they move through space. Their classification is an important part of understanding the larger context of our solar system and the materials that populate it.