[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, …

Dec 11, 2025 · 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 …

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 …

There are several different types of meteorites! Learn about them in this article by Geoffrey Notkin, meteorite hunter.

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 …

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." …

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 …

There are three main groups of meteorite: iron meteorites, stony-iron meteorites and stony meteorites. They differ in their amount of iron-nickel metal they contain and what they reveal …

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 …

There are over 40 types of meteorites, but we can divide them into a few main categories. Learn about types of meteorite.