Difference between revisions of "Meteor"
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| − | A '''meteor''' is | + | A '''meteor''' is a ''[[meteoroid]]'' (a small rocky object in space) that has entered the Earth's atmosphere. Friction causes it to burn in the atmosphere, causing the meteor to glow brightly. For this reason, a meteor is often referred to as a "shooting star" or "falling star". Most meteors are small and burn up in less than a second, but some very large ones glow brightly for many seconds and are called "fireballs" or "bolides." (See also [[Asteroid]]). |
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| − | A major source of meteors lies between [[Mars]] and [[Jupiter]], an enormous cluster of | + | An exceptionally large meteor may not burn up completely in the atmosphere. If part of a meteor hits the ground, it becomes known as a ''[[meteorite]]''. |
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| + | A major source of meteors lies between [[Mars]] and [[Jupiter]], an enormous cluster of meteoroids also known as the [[asteroid belt]] (or [[Kuiper Belt]]). Other (minor) meteoroid belts and clouds exist, and when the [[Earth]] passes through them periodic [[meteor shower]]s occur, such as the [[Perseiids]], [[Geminids]], and [[Taurids]]. | ||
Earth's orbit is far inside the belt between between Mars and Jupiter; another lies just outside of our solar system. | Earth's orbit is far inside the belt between between Mars and Jupiter; another lies just outside of our solar system. | ||
Revision as of 15:18, February 21, 2013
A meteor is a meteoroid (a small rocky object in space) that has entered the Earth's atmosphere. Friction causes it to burn in the atmosphere, causing the meteor to glow brightly. For this reason, a meteor is often referred to as a "shooting star" or "falling star". Most meteors are small and burn up in less than a second, but some very large ones glow brightly for many seconds and are called "fireballs" or "bolides." (See also Asteroid).
An exceptionally large meteor may not burn up completely in the atmosphere. If part of a meteor hits the ground, it becomes known as a meteorite.
A major source of meteors lies between Mars and Jupiter, an enormous cluster of meteoroids also known as the asteroid belt (or Kuiper Belt). Other (minor) meteoroid belts and clouds exist, and when the Earth passes through them periodic meteor showers occur, such as the Perseiids, Geminids, and Taurids.
Earth's orbit is far inside the belt between between Mars and Jupiter; another lies just outside of our solar system. Meteoroids from those belts break free and may collide with Earth.
There are currently several hundred known asteroids, called Apollo asteroids, that are in Earth-crossing orbits.
Culture and History
The ancient Greeks believed that the stones were Zeus's thunderbolts. A famous quote by Thomas Jefferson:
- "I would sooner believe that two Yankee professors lied, than that stones fell from the sky."[1]
