Can Large Meteors Really Fall Directly on Me?

  • Thread starter Pattielli
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Fall
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of big meteors hitting Earth and the likelihood of it happening. It is mentioned that nickel-iron meteors usually stay intact as they pass through the atmosphere and have the potential to create meteor craters. However, the chances of being directly hit by one are very small. It is also mentioned that smaller objects burn up in the atmosphere while larger ones can make it through and cause regional damage. There have been rare cases of meteorites hitting buildings and cars, but no records of them hitting people. Overall, the likelihood of being hit by a meteorite is very low and not something to worry about.
  • #1
Pattielli
296
0
Can this happen ?
I mean really big meteors which can't be smashed or destroyed when coming near our Earth...
Thank you
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Nickel-Iron meteors will mostly stay together as they pass through the atmosphere. They are presumably the ones that make meteor craters like the one in Arizona.
 
  • #3
Yes...but don't worry. The odds are "astronomically" small of being directly hit by one (see the first link below).

As selfAdjoint indicated, the size & type & velocity of the object determines if it makes it through Earth's atmosphere to reach the ground. Small stuff burns up when it hits the atmosphere. Large stuff plows through the atmosphere and hits the ground.

AFAIK, there's no records of a meteorite hitting a person, but there have been close calls.

Someone's living room...
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap030506.html

Someone's car...
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap021118.html

Now the odds of a large meteorite doing regional damage are more concerning...but still nothing to lose sleep over.
 

1. What is a meteor?

A meteor is a small piece of debris from outer space that enters Earth's atmosphere at high speeds and creates a bright streak of light in the sky as it burns up due to friction with the air.

2. How often do meteors fall to Earth?

Meteors are constantly entering Earth's atmosphere, but most of them are very small and burn up completely before reaching the ground. Larger meteors, also known as fireballs, can occur several times a year and are more likely to make it to the surface.

3. Are meteors dangerous to humans?

Most meteors are not large enough to cause any harm to humans. However, larger meteors that make it to the ground, also known as meteorites, can potentially cause damage or injury if they land in a populated area.

4. Can meteors be predicted?

While we are able to track and observe meteors, we are not able to predict exactly when or where they will fall. There are certain times of the year when meteor showers occur, but the exact timing and location of individual meteors cannot be predicted.

5. What can we learn from studying meteors?

Meteors can provide valuable information about the composition and history of our solar system. By studying the chemical and physical properties of meteorites, scientists can gain insights into the formation and evolution of planets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
10K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
4
Replies
118
Views
5K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
3K
Back
Top