Meteoroizilor

Meteoroizilor, often referred to as meteoroids, are small rocky or metallic bodies traveling through outer space. They are significantly smaller than asteroids and typically range in size from dust grains to objects a few meters in diameter. The origin of meteoroids is diverse, with many being fragments of comets that have shed material or debris from asteroid collisions. Some are also believed to be remnants from the formation of the solar system itself.

When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it heats up due to friction with the air, creating a bright streak of light. This visible phenomenon is called a meteor, commonly known as a "shooting star." The vast majority of meteors burn up completely before reaching the ground.

If a meteoroid is large enough to survive its passage through the atmosphere and land on Earth's surface, it is then classified as a meteorite. These recovered fragments provide valuable scientific information about the composition of celestial bodies and the early solar system. The study of meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites falls under the field of meteoritics. Their trajectory and composition are often analyzed to understand potential impact hazards, although most are too small to pose a significant threat.