How do meteorites survive the trip through the atmosphere and reach the ground?
Quick Answer
Many small meteors burn up, but larger fragments slow down, cool on the outside, and fall as meteorites once they survive atmospheric entry.
The Full Story
When a space rock enters Earth’s atmosphere, friction with the air heats its surface and makes it glow as a meteor. Smaller objects usually vaporize completely, but larger and denser fragments can slow down enough to survive the intense heating. After the brightest part of the fireball, the remaining piece falls more gently and lands as a meteorite. Some meteorites preserve information from the early Solar System, including material older than Earth. Scientists study them to learn about the formation of planets and the chemistry of space.
Key Facts
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