Meteorites

Definition

Meteorites are solid pieces of debris from objects like comets, asteroids, or meteoroids that survive their passage through Earth's atmosphere and land on the surface. They provide valuable information about the early solar system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Meteorites are categorized into three major types: stony, iron, and stony-iron based on their composition.
2. Most meteorites originate from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
3. The study of meteorites helps scientists understand the primordial materials that formed our solar system.
4. Carbonaceous chondrites, a type of stony meteorite, contain organic compounds and water-bearing minerals.
5. Meteorites can show signs of melting and differentiation, indicating they come from larger parent bodies that experienced geological processes.

Review Questions

• What are the three main types of meteorites, and how are they classified?
• Why are meteorites important for understanding the origin of the solar system?
• What is significant about carbonaceous chondrites among other types of meteorites?

Related terms

Asteroid:

A small rocky body orbiting the sun, mainly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Comet:

An icy celestial body that releases gas or dust; often characterized by a visible coma or tail when near the sun.

Meteoroid:

A small particle from a comet or asteroid orbiting in space before it enters Earth's atmosphere to become a meteor.