What is meteorito?

Meteorites are pieces of solid matter that have fallen to Earth from space. They are fragments of asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies that have survived their journey through Earth's atmosphere and landed on the planet's surface. Meteorites are known for their unique and often striking appearance, with many displaying beautiful and intricate patterns of metallic and non-metallic minerals.

Meteorites come in three main types: stony, iron, and stony-iron. Stony meteorites are the most common, accounting for about 94% of all known meteorites. They are made up of various types of rock, including chondrites, the most common type of stony meteorite, which contain small, spherical grains called chondrules. Iron meteorites are made up almost entirely of iron and nickel, with small amounts of other elements like cobalt and phosphorus. Stony-iron meteorites are a combination of both rocky and metallic materials.

Scientists study meteorites to learn more about the early history of the solar system, dating back to its formation more than 4.5 billion years ago. They can provide clues about the conditions in the early solar system and help us understand the origins of planets like Earth. Meteorites have also been used to study the chemical composition of the Moon and Mars, and even to search for signs of life beyond Earth.