Météorites

Météorites are solid extraterrestrial objects that survive their passage through Earth's atmosphere and land on the surface. They originate from various celestial bodies within our solar system, most commonly from asteroids and comets. These celestial fragments are remnants from the formation of the solar system, providing invaluable insights into its early history and the composition of other planets and bodies.

The journey of a meteorite begins as a meteoroid in space. When this object enters Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, friction with the air causes it to heat up and glow, creating a visible streak of light known as a meteor, or shooting star. If the object is large enough and does not completely disintegrate, the remaining piece that reaches the ground is called a meteorite.

Meteorites are classified into three main categories based on their composition: stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites. Stony meteorites are the most common type, resembling terrestrial rocks and often containing minerals like olivine and pyroxene. Iron meteorites are primarily composed of iron and nickel alloys. Stony-iron meteorites, as the name suggests, are a mixture of both rocky minerals and iron-nickel.

The study of meteorites, known as meteoritics, is a crucial field in planetary science and astronomy. By analyzing their chemical composition, structure, and age, scientists can learn about the formation and evolution of the solar system, the conditions on other planets, and the potential for life beyond Earth. Meteorites are often found in remote areas like deserts and Antarctica, where they are more easily discovered and preserved.