A meteorite is a piece of rock or metal that has fallen to the Earth from space. They are believed to originate from asteroids or comets, which are small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. These objects are often made up of a mixture of rock, metal, and ice.
TYPES:
three main types of meteorites:
1. Stony meteorite,
2. Iron meteorite, and
3. Stony-iron meteorite.
1. Stony meteorites Stony meteorites, also known as chondrites, are the most common type of meteorite, making up about 86% of all meteorites that have been found on Earth. They are made up mainly of rock-forming minerals such as feldspar, pyroxene, and olivine, as well as small, round mineral grains called chondrules.
Chondrites are thought to have formed in the early solar system, about 4.5 billion years ago, from the same material that formed the planets. They are considered to be some of the oldest and most primitive material in the solar system.
There are several different types of stony meteorites, including:
- Ordinary chondrites: These are the most common type of chondrite and are made up of a mixture of chondrules and matrix (fine-grained material that fills the spaces between the chondrules).
- Carbonaceous chondrites: These chondrites are rich in carbon and are a source of organic compounds that may have played a role in the origins of life on Earth.
- Enstatite chondrites: These chondrites are composed mainly of the mineral enstatite (a type of pyroxene) and are some of the most chemically primitive meteorites.
- Achondrites: These meteorites are similar to chondrites, but do not contain chondrules and are believed to have formed from igneous processes on a parent body.
Stony meteorites are valuable for scientists as they are thought to provide information on the early solar system and the formation of planets. They also contain clues about the composition of the early solar system and conditions that existed in space at the time of their formation.
2.Iron meteorites Iron meteorites, also known as siderites, are a type of meteorite that are primarily composed of iron and nickel. They are relatively rare, making up about 5% to 7% of all meteorites found on Earth. They are thought to have originated from the cores of asteroids or planetoids that were once part of larger celestial bodies and were later shattered by collisions.
Iron meteorites are typically composed of an alloy of iron and nickel, with small amounts of other elements such as cobalt, phosphorous, and sulfur. They are usually dark in color and have a metallic, shiny appearance. They are characterized by their high density and weight, which is considerably greater than that of stony meteorites.
These divided into two main groups: the octahedrites and the hexahedrites.
The octahedrites are characterized by a pattern of long, thin crystals called Widmanstätten plates, which are visible when the meteorite is cut and etched with acid.
The hexahedrites, on the other hand, have a coarser crystal structure and lack the Widmanstätten pattern.
Iron meteorites are of great interest to scientists as they provide information about the early solar system and the conditions that existed in space at the time of their formation. They also provide clues about the composition of the cores of asteroids and planetoids, which is important for understanding the formation and evolution of our solar system. Additionally, iron meteorites are also of great interest to collectors and are highly prized for their rarity and beauty
3. Stony-iron meteorites A stony iron meteorite is a type of meteorite that is composed of both stony and metallic materials. The majority of meteorites are either stony (made mainly of rock-forming minerals) or iron-nickel (made mainly of metal). Stony iron meteorites are relatively rare, making up only about 5% of all meteorites.
The two main types of stony iron meteorites are pallasites and mesosiderites.
Pallasites are composed mainly of olivine (a green mineral) and metal (mainly iron and nickel).
Mesosiderites are composed mainly of stony material and metal, with the stony material being made up of rock-forming minerals such as feldspar and pyroxene.
Stony iron meteorites are thought to have formed in the early solar system, when a large object collided with a metallic asteroid, causing the metal to mix with the stony material. Some scientists believe that stony iron meteorites may have originated from the core-mantle boundary of a differentiated asteroid.
Stony iron meteorites are highly prized by collectors and scientists alike for their rarity and unique composition. They can also provide valuable information about the early solar system and the processes that formed our planets.
Studies:
Meteorites have been studied for centuries and have provided valuable information about the formation and composition of the Solar System. They have also been used as a valuable resource for many different industries, including jewelry making and metalworking.
Many meteorites are found in deserts and other dry regions, where erosion is slow and the meteorites are more likely to be preserved. They can also be found in Antarctica and other cold regions, where ice can preserve them.
Meteorites can be found in various locations around the world, including deserts, cold regions, and other areas where erosion is slow. Some of the most well-known meteorite strewnfields are:
1. The Nullarbor Plain in Australia: A large area of flat, arid land that is known for its high concentration of meteorites.
2. The Sahara Desert in Africa: One of the driest and most inhospitable places on Earth, but also home to many meteorites.
3. Antarctica: The cold climate preserves meteorites well, making it an ideal location for meteorite hunting.
4.The Atacama Desert in Chile: The driest desert in the world, known for its high concentration of meteorites.
5.The Namib Desert in Namibia: Another desert known for its high concentration of meteorites.
6.The Gobi Desert in China and Mongolia: A vast desert that is home to many meteorites.
7. The Antarctic Peninsula: This region has been found to have a large number of meteorites, which have been recovered by expeditions.
8. The White Mountains of California: a region in the United States known for its concentration of meteorites.
It's worth noting that meteorites can be found anywhere on Earth, but these locations are particularly known for having a high concentration of meteorites.
Many meteorites are also found in more temperate regions and even in urban areas, but those are rarer than the ones found in the aforementioned locations.
Scientists study meteorites to learn about the early Solar System and the processes that formed the planets.
They also study the isotopes of the elements in the meteorites to determine their origin.
By studying meteorites, scientists can learn about the composition of the early Solar System, the processes that formed the planets, and the conditions that existed in the early Solar System.
In summary, meteorites are pieces of rock or metal that have fallen to Earth from space. They are believed to originate from asteroids or comets, and come in three main types: stony, iron and stony-iron. They have been a valuable resource for centuries and provide valuable information about the formation and composition of the Solar System, and the conditions that existed in the early Solar System.
DISCOVERY:
The discovery of meteorites can be traced back to ancient times, as early civilizations recorded falling objects in the sky that were thought to be of celestial origin. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that the scientific study of meteorites began.
In 1794, a meteorite fell in France and was the first to be studied scientifically. The French Academy of Sciences sent out a team to study the meteorite and they confirmed it was of extraterrestrial origin. This was a significant moment in the history of meteorites as it marked the beginning of the scientific study of meteorites.
During the 19th century, meteorites became a popular topic of study among scientists and the general public. Many meteorites were discovered and studied, and the first classification system for meteorites was developed. This period also saw the first meteorite hunters, who would search for meteorites in remote areas of the world.
The 20th century saw a significant increase in the number of meteorites discovered, as well as the development of new techniques for studying meteorites. Advances in technology, such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, allowed scientists to study the composition and structure of meteorites in greater detail.
In recent years, the discovery of meteorites has been greatly facilitated by the increasing use of cameras and videos to record falling meteorites, as well as the use of satellites and other space-based technologies. This allows for more precise location of meteorites after they fall, and a better understanding of their origins and characteristics.
In summary,
The discovery of meteorites can be traced back to ancient times, but it wasn't until the 18th century that the scientific study of meteorites began. The study of meteorites has continued to evolve throughout the centuries, with many meteorites discovered and studied, and new techniques developed to study them. Today, the discovery of meteorites is greatly facilitated by the use of cameras, videos, satellites and other space-based technologies.
Source:INTERNET