What term is used to describe a very large and bright meteor that likely ends up as a meteorite?

Study for the NJROTC Academics Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with detailed explanations. Get ready to pass your exam with confidence!

A very large and bright meteor is referred to as a fireball. This term specifically denotes an exceptionally bright meteor that can be observed in the night sky, often outshining the planets and stars. Fireballs are typically caused by larger meteoroids entering Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, leading to a bright flash of light. If these meteoroids are substantial enough to survive their passage through the atmosphere and reach the Earth's surface, they are classified as meteorites.

The other terms, while related to astronomical phenomena, do not accurately describe this specific type of meteor. Comets are icy bodies that release gas or dust; shooting stars are a colloquial term for meteors in general, often used for the brief streaks of light produced by smaller particles; and astral body refers to celestial objects in general, which does not pinpoint the characteristics of a bright meteoroid.

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