[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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Explore our detailed guide on meteorite rock identification! Learn methods, types, and significance 🌌 for both novices and collectors. Unlock the mysteries!

Dec 8, 2025 · The meteorite lit up the Michigan sky around 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, and was shared across social media.

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 we have of other …