New study reveals how space rocks become meteorites
Researchers from the SETI Institute and NASA have identified seven distinct physical phases that space rocks undergo when entering Earth's atmosphere. The study reveals that melting and fragmentation are the primary drivers of mass loss for meteorites, rather than simple evaporation.
Why it matters
Understanding these atmospheric entry processes improves our ability to predict meteorite behavior and protects space assets and planetary safety.
edited by Robert Egan , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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