Meteorites - Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
No. We unfortunately do not have the scientific instruments necessary to positively identify meteorites. Identification from photographs is also not possible.
A meteoroid is a space rock before entering the atmosphere; when it burns up in the atmosphere, it’s called a meteor or shooting star. If it reaches the ground, it is a meteorite.
Most meteorites come from asteroids, but some originate from comets, the Moon, or Mars.
Yes, there are different types of meteorites. They are traditionally divided into three main categories based on their composition:
- Stony meteorites
- Iron meteorites
- Stony-iron meteorites
Meteorites typically have a dark, smooth fusion crust from atmospheric entry, are dense, can be magnetic (especially iron meteorites), and may have thumbprint-like impressions called regmaglypts.
They provide clues about the early solar system, the formation of planets, and sometimes contain rare materials not found on Earth.
About 48.5 tons of meteoritic material fall to Earth every day, typically as many small fragments.
Document the location, avoid cleaning it roughly, and contact a local university or meteorite society for identification help.