[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, pressure, and …

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 atmosphere, leaving a …

To tell if a rock is a meteorite, start by examining its physical features and characteristics. Many meteorites are magnetic due to their iron-nickel content, but there are non-magnetic meteorites as …

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 solar …

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 about …