1. Asteroids and Comets: These are the source of the rocky or icy debris that eventually becomes meteorites. They are remnants of the early solar system and can range in size from small pebbles to huge mountains.
2. Earth's Atmosphere: As these debris objects enter the Earth's atmosphere, they burn up due to friction, creating the bright streaks we call meteors. If a piece survives the fiery descent and reaches the ground, it is then called a meteorite.
So, while asteroids and comets are the source material, it's the interaction with Earth's atmosphere that transforms them into meteorites.
