What is a meteorite?

A meteorite is a solid object that originates in outer space and survives impact with the Earth's surface. When a meteoroid - a small piece of debris in space - enters Earth's atmosphere and collides with the Earth's surface, it is then called a meteorite. The term 'meteor' is often used to describe the bright streak of light that is produced as the meteoroid burns up in the atmosphere.

Meteorites can be made of rock, metal, or a combination of both, and can range in size from tiny grains to giant boulders. They are classified into three main groups: stony, iron, and stony-iron meteorites. Each group has its own unique characteristics and composition, which scientists study to learn more about the formation and evolution of the solar system.

Studying meteorites can provide valuable information about the history of the solar system and the processes that have shaped it. They can help scientists understand how planets, moons, and other bodies formed, and how they have changed over time. Meteorites can also contain organic compounds, including amino acids, which are the building blocks of life. This has led some scientists to speculate that meteorites may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth.