Meteorites

Meteorites are solid fragments of material from space that survive their journey through the Earth’s atmosphere and land on the Earth’s surface. They can originate from asteroids, the Moon, or even Mars, and vary in composition, including metals, silicates, and other minerals. When an object from space enters the atmosphere, it becomes a meteor, producing a bright streak of light due to the intense heat generated by friction with the atmosphere. If the meteor survives this passage and reaches the ground, it is classified as a meteorite. Meteorites are essential for scientific study as they provide valuable information about the early solar system, the formation of planets, and the elemental and isotopic composition of extraterrestrial materials. They are categorized into several types based on their composition, including stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites. Meteorites can vary in size from tiny particles to large masses weighing several tons. Some well-known meteorites have historical significance, while others are studied for insights into cosmic processes and planetary geology.