Question

Distinguish between a meteoroid, a meteor, and a meteorite.

Short answer

Meteoroids are space rocks, meteors are the light show when they burn up in the atmosphere, and meteorites are the parts that reach Earth's surface.

Step-by-step solution

Define Meteoroid

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body traveling through space. Typically, these are fragments of asteroids or comets and can range in size from tiny particles to about 1 meter in diameter before entering Earth's atmosphere.

Define Meteor

A meteor refers to the streak of light that we observe in the sky when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up due to friction with the air. This is what is commonly known as a 'shooting star'.

Define Meteorite

A meteorite is the remaining part of a meteoroid that survives its fiery passage through Earth's atmosphere and actually lands on the Earth's surface. Meteorites can vary in size and composition.

Key concepts

Meteoroid Meaning and Characteristics

A meteoroid is essentially a smaller fragment of a cosmic body like an asteroid or comet. Picture it as a roving pebble in the vast expanse of space. These can be rocky or metallic and can vary significantly in size.
They are usually less than a meter in diameter. Think of meteoroids as tiny travelers, quietly gliding through the emptiness of space, often as a part of the solar system. These small bodies are essential in the chain of phenomena we observe, as they have the potential to become meteors or meteorites under the right conditions.

• Typically originate from asteroids or comets
• Travel through space before encountering Earth's atmosphere
• Can range from tiny specks to about a meter in size

What is a Meteor?

When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it experiences a dramatic transformation. Essentially, what was once a dark, cold piece of space rock incinerates in the blink of an eye, creating a bright streak across the sky.
This phenomenon is what we commonly refer to as a meteor, also known as a "shooting star". The intense heat and light are caused by extreme friction as the meteoroid collides with the atmospheric particles, burning up.
However, not every meteoroid turns into a meteor; only those that make it into Earth's atmosphere. 🤔 In essence, when you wish upon a "shooting star", you're seeing a meteoroid become a meteor.

• Occurs when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere
• Characterized by a bright streak of light in the sky
• Caused by friction as it burns up in the atmosphere

Understanding Meteorites

A meteorite is what remains if a meteoroid makes it through the atmospheric plunge without vanishing completely in a fiery descent. These remnants fall to Earth and can vary widely in composition and size.
Once a meteoroid is defined as a meteorite, it may contain valuable information about the cosmos. They offer clues about the history and composition of other celestial bodies
Meteorites can be classified into three main categories based on their composition: stony, iron, and stony-iron, each possessing distinct qualities.
This final stage in the cycle creates an opportunity for scientists to study and learn from these space visitors right here on Earth.

• Survives entry and lands on Earth's surface
• Offers valuable scientific insights
• Classified into stony, iron, and stony-iron types