A rocky leftover planetesimal currently orbiting the sun isGroup of answer choicesa meteoran asteroida cometa meteorite

Analyzing the Question

1. Definitions:

   • Meteor: A meteoroid that enters the Earth's atmosphere and produces a bright streak of light (a "shooting star").
   • Asteroid: A small rocky body orbiting the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
   • Comet: A small celestial body composed of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the sun, exhibits a visible atmosphere (a "coma") and often a tail.
   • Meteorite: A meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface of the Earth.

2. Context: The term "rocky leftover planetesimal" implies a remnant of the early solar system that did not coalesce into a larger body like a planet.

Conclusion

Given that the question mentions a "rocky leftover planetesimal," the most fitting term from the choices provided is:

Final Answer: Asteroid