Meteorite
A meteorite is a piece of space rock that has survived its fall through the air and landed on Earth.
A meteorite is a rock from space that you can actually hold. It began as a meteoroid, made a bright meteor as it rushed through the air, and then part of it landed on the ground. Most come from asteroids, but a few come from the Moon or Mars.
Meteorites are like time capsules. Many are about 4.6 billion years old, older than any rock on Earth's surface, so scientists use them to learn how the Sun and planets formed. In February 2021 a meteorite landed on a driveway in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. About 600 grams of it was collected, and it turned out to contain water locked inside its minerals.
Fresh meteorites often have a thin black skin called fusion crust. Many are heavier than normal rocks and stick to a magnet because they contain metal. But lots of Earth rocks look similar, so experts must check any possible find. If you think you have found one, do not lick it, cut it or heat it, and always ask the landowner before searching anywhere.
Related terms
Level: Beginner Ages 7 and up