matter: Anything that takes up space is matter. All matter is made up of atoms. Matter on earth is in one of three states: solid, liquid, or gas.
meteor: Meteoroids that are captured by a planet's or moon's gravity fall to the surface with great speed. Friction with the atmosphere burns up most meteors. A meteoroid that burns up completely in the atmosphere is called a meteor. As meteors burn, they appear as brief, bright streaks across the sky. That is why meteors are also called shooting stars or falling stars.
meteorite: Large meteors don't always burn up completely as they fall through the atmosphere. They crash on the surface of the planet or moon. Once the meteor hits the surface, it's known
