[1] A meteorite is a rock that originated in outer space and has fallen to the surface of a planet or moon. When the original object enters the atmosphere, various factors such as friction, …

5 days ago · Meteorite, any fairly small natural object from interplanetary space—i.e., a meteoroid—that survives its passage through Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the surface. In …

Meteorites are like a time machine and spacecraft all in one. Discover how our scientists use rare specimens in the meteorite collection we care for to understand the history of Earth and our …

Jul 17, 2025 · Scientists estimate that about 48.5 tons (44 tonnes or 44,000 kilograms) of meteoritic material falls on Earth each day. Almost all the material is vaporized in Earth's …

Although there are a large number of sub classes, meteorites are divided into three main groups: irons, stones and stony-irons.

When a piece falls towards Earth, the friction with our atmosphere heats it up, making it glow and often burning most of it away. This glowing streak of light is called a meteor, or "shooting star." …

Learn more about meteorite locations, and where meteorites are found, here! How do we know whether a meteorite is a new, distinct meteorite or part of an older find? Detailed microscopic, …

Apr 4, 2024 · The best-preserved impact crater in the world is the Barringer Meteorite Crater, near the U.S. town of Winslow, Arizona. There, more than 50,000 years ago, a meteorite weighing …

In simplest terms, a meteorite is a rock that falls to Earth from space. Meteorites are rocks, but they are not like Earth rocks. Most are far older, and they provide some of the only samples …

Jul 31, 2025 · A meteor is the streak of light caused when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere. Air friction melts the meteoroid's surface, making it glow white hot. Meteors also are called …