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When a space rock hits the atmosphere, the heat of friction and the compression shock wave heat the rock to incandescence, or "glowing hot". It is this streak of fire in the sky that we call a "meteor", sometimes inaccurately called a "falling star" or "shooting star". Sometimes the heat and pressure cause the rock to break up, or oftentimes, to explode.

If the meteor strikes the Earth, it becomes a "meteorite". If it is big enough and fast enough, it may explode on impact, causing a crater.

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15y ago
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5mo ago

Meteors break up as they enter Earth's atmosphere due to friction, heat, and pressure, causing them to disintegrate into smaller pieces. Meteorites can break up due to impacts with the Earth's surface or from natural weathering processes over time, causing them to fragment into smaller pieces.

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Q: How do meteors and meteorites break up?
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What are the meteors sand meteorites?

meteorites-larger chunks that land on earth's surface are called ''meteorites''meteors-at certain times,we see more meteors than usual and they appear as a ''showers''


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Meteors that strike the ground are called meteorites.


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Meteoroids, Meteors & Meteorites.


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Are meteors falling stars?

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How do meteors orbit the sun?

Meteors do not orbit the Sun. Meteors are to be found/seen in the Earth's atmosphere burning up. Before they enter the Earths atmosphere they are called meteoroids and if they land on Earth they are called meteorites.


What are the differences between meteorites meteors and meteorites?

The meteor is the streak of light in the sky; the meteorite is the rock that caused it.


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There are three main types of meteors: iron, stony-iron, and stony. Iron meteors are primarily composed of iron and nickel. Stony-iron meteors have roughly equal amounts of rock and iron-nickel. Stony meteors are made up of silicates and other minerals.


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comets and asteroids


Why do meteoroids become fireballs as they approach the earth?

As a meteors enters the earth's atmosphere, the frictional heat is so intense it begins to catch fire, which is why must meteors burn-up before they hit our planet. Meteors are called meteors until they hit the earth's surface, then they are called meteorites!!