* Composition: Asteroids and meteors are primarily composed of rock, metal, and ice. These materials don't burn in the traditional sense like wood or paper.
* Heat vs. Burning: The heat generated from friction with the atmosphere during entry causes the surface to melt and ablate (break apart), not burn. The intense heat is enough to vaporize some of the material, creating a fiery streak we see as a meteor.
* Atmosphere: The atmosphere is necessary for combustion, but it's a thin layer compared to the size of asteroids and meteors. The heat of entry doesn't create a sustained flame or enough oxygen to support combustion.
What actually happens:
* Friction: As an asteroid or meteor enters the atmosphere, it experiences immense friction with the air particles. This friction generates immense heat, causing the surface to melt and vaporize.
* Ablation: The process of melting and vaporizing material is called ablation. This ablation helps to slow down the object and can even break it apart.
In summary: The "fire" we see from a meteor is not actual burning, but rather the glowing hot vaporized material from the intense heat of atmospheric entry.
