What are asteroids also referred to as when they enter the Earth's gravitational field?

When asteroids enter the Earth's gravitational field, they are commonly referred to as meteoroids. A meteoroid is typically defined as a small rocky or metallic body in outer space. When such a body enters the Earth's atmosphere, it becomes a meteor as it travels through the atmosphere at high speeds, and if it survives the journey and lands on Earth, it is classified as a meteorite.

This classification is significant as it helps differentiate the stages of an object's journey from space to Earth. Understanding these stages is crucial in the field of planetary science and astronomy, as it provides insight into the composition and behavior of these objects as they interact with the Earth’s atmosphere.