météorite

Météorite is the solid remnant of a meteoroid that has survived its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and landed on the surface. Meteoroids are small rocky or metallic bodies in outer space. When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it heats up due to friction, creating a streak of light known as a meteor, or shooting star. If the meteoroid is large enough to not completely burn up, the remaining fragment that reaches the ground is called a meteorite.

Meteorites are classified into three main types: stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites. Stony meteorites are the most common, making up about 94% of all meteorites. They are composed primarily of silicate minerals. Iron meteorites are composed mainly of iron and nickel alloys and are less common, accounting for about 5% of finds. Stony-iron meteorites are the rarest, comprising about 1% of meteorites, and are a mixture of rocky silicates and iron-nickel.

The study of meteorites is crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of the solar system. They provide direct samples of extraterrestrial material, offering insights into the composition of asteroids, comets, and even the early solar nebula from which planets formed. Some meteorites contain organic compounds, which have fueled speculation about the origins of life. Meteorite impacts have also played a significant role in Earth's geological history, with evidence of past impact craters found across the globe.