|
|
Article
FAQ's (View 45807/Answer 0)  |
Meteorites are unique particles of rocks, nickel-iron metal and mixtures of the two that come from outer space and reach the earth's surface. They may have traveled from the distant reaches of the solar system or even beyond.
Most meteors, or "shooting stars," burn up in our atmosphere before reaching the ground. Only a few rare specimens actually land on the earth and earn the name meteorite. Furthermore, only a tiny portion of the meteorites that fall to earth is recovered. In fact, it is possible that millions of meteorites have struck the earth during its history, yet we have samples of less that 3000 falls. That's because meteorites fall unpredictably, and their fall is seldom physically witnessed. In addition, most fall into the oceans or on to land that is densely covered by vegetation, which makes recovery nearly impossible. The few specimens that are finally recovered can really be considered the "rarest material on earth."
Like rare gems, meteorites are expensive and difficult to discover. Some are found by accident. Others are seen as they make their descent to earth. Their unique beauty is unmatched by any terrestrial material. In fact, some substances found in the chemical composition of meteorites are not found anywhere on this planet.
Since so few meteorites actually reach the earth¹s surface and earn the name "meteorite," the supply is limited. Most find their way into museums and laboratories for study and display, and very few are available to private collectors. Meteorites are named after the place or locality where they fall to earth or where they are found. For instance, they could be named for a city or local geographical feature.
Most meteorites originate in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. In addition, scientists have determined that certain meteorites originated on the Moon and the planet Mars.
Meteorites are usually irregular in shape and are composed essentially of the same elements that are found on earth, although some substances found in the overall chemical compositions of meteorites are different from terrestrial rocks. Meteorites are typically covered with a thin black or dark gray fusion crust, which is formed by surface melting during entry into the atmosphere. Inside, meteorites can be very different and unique from each other.
|
|
|
|