Meteorites

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a rock that enters Earth's atmosphere and survives the journey to the surface.

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What are meteorites primarily made of?

Back

Meteorites are made up of materials from destroyed planets, asteroids, and moons.

Front

What type of meteorite is primarily composed of iron and nickel?

Back

Iron meteorites are primarily composed of iron and nickel.

Front

How are meteorites named?

Back

Meteorites are named if they are significant in reaching Earth or have a large size.

Front

What is the Widmannstätten pattern?

Back

The Widmannstätten pattern is a unique crystalline structure found in iron meteorites, caused by the cooling of iron and nickel bodies.

Front

What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

Back

A meteor is a meteoroid that burns up in Earth's atmosphere, while a meteorite is a meteoroid that survives and lands on Earth.

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What are chondrites?

Back

Chondrites are a type of stony meteorite that contains small spherical particles called chondrules.

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What is an achondrite?

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An achondrite is a type of stony meteorite that does not contain chondrules and is formed from differentiated parent bodies.

Front

What is the significance of the Murchison meteorite?

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The Murchison meteorite is significant for its rich organic content and is an example of a carbonaceous chondrite.

Front

What happens to a meteorite when it enters Earth's atmosphere?

Back

When a meteorite enters Earth's atmosphere, it experiences intense heat and pressure, which can cause it to glow and create a visible trail.