meteor
Definition
A meteor is a small body from space that enters Earth's atmosphere. When a meteor enters Earth's atmosphere, it heats up and glows due to friction. This is called a shooting star.
Most meteors burn up completely in Earth's atmosphere and never reach the ground. However, if a meteor is large enough, it can survive the trip through the atmosphere and land on the ground. This is called a meteorite.
Meteorites are classified into three types:
- Stone meteorites: These are the most common type of meteorite. They are made up of rocks and minerals that were formed in the early solar system.
- Iron meteorites: These meteorites are made up of iron and nickel. They are thought to be the cores of asteroids that were destroyed in collisions.
- Chondritic meteorites: These meteorites are the oldest type of meteorite. They contain chondrules, which are small spheres that are thought to have formed in the solar nebula.
Meteorites can be very valuable to scientists. They can learn a lot about the formation of the solar system by studying meteorites. For example, scientists can study the composition of meteorites to learn about the materials that were present in the early solar system. They can also study the chemical signatures of meteorites to learn about the conditions that existed in the solar nebula.
Meteorites are also a source of new materials for scientists to study. For example, scientists have found new minerals in meteorites that have never been found on Earth. These minerals can provide clues about the formation of the solar system and the evolution of the Earth.
How can the word be used?
The meteor shower was a spectacular sight.
Different forms of the word
Noun: A small body of rock or metal that enters Earth's atmosphere from space and vaporises due to friction.
Adjective: Relating to or caused by meteors.
Verb: To be or become a meteor.
Etymology
The word "meteor" comes from the Greek word "meteoros", which means "high in the air" or "lofty". The Greek word "meteoros" is derived from the word "meteĊros", which means "to rise up".
The literal meaning of the word "meteor" is "something that rises up in the air". This is because meteors are small bodies of rock or metal that enter Earth's atmosphere from space and vaporise due to friction.
Question
What is a meteor?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of a meteor and its origin. Describe the process of a meteor entering Earth's atmosphere and the phenomena associated with its passage.
Answer:
A meteor is a small celestial object that enters Earth's atmosphere from space. Most meteors originate from comets or asteroids, which release debris as they travel through the solar system. When Earth's orbit intersects this debris, it collides with the atmosphere, creating the dazzling phenomenon known as a meteor or "shooting star.".
As a meteor enters Earth's atmosphere, it encounters air resistance. The friction generated by its high speed causes the air around it to heat up, creating a streak of light in the sky. This is due to the rapid compression and ionization of air molecules along the meteor's path. The visible light is what we commonly perceive as a meteor.
If the meteor survives its passage through the atmosphere and reaches the Earth's surface, it's then referred to as a meteorite. Meteorites can provide valuable insights into the composition of celestial bodies and the early solar system.
The study of meteors and meteorites contributes to our understanding of the universe's formation and evolution. Observing meteor showers, which occur when Earth passes through a region with a high concentration of meteoroid debris, is a captivating reminder of our cosmic environment.