Meteorites

Meteorites are solid fragments of material from celestial bodies, such as asteroids or comets, that survive their passage through the Earth’s atmosphere and land on the Earth’s surface. They originate in space and are typically composed of rock, metal, or a combination of both. Upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, they undergo intense heating due to friction, which can create a characteristic fusion crust on their surface.

Meteorites are classified into various types based on their composition and origin, including stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites. They provide valuable insights into the early solar system and the formation of planetary bodies, making them an important subject of study in planetary science and astronomy. Collecting and studying meteorites helps scientists understand the composition of the universe and the processes that shaped it.