Meteorite

space · rocks · astronomy

Visitors from space. A meteorite is a rock that began its journey out in outer space before falling onto a planet or moon.

A glowing streak. As the rock zooms into the atmosphere, friction and pressure heat it up so it glows, creating a meteor or 'shooting star.'

Super bright bolides. The brightest fireballs are called bolides. A really big one can even smash into the ground and dig out an impact crater.

All shapes and sizes. Meteorites vary hugely in size, from tiny pebbles to giant rocks heavy enough to leave a crater behind.