Meteors don't "hit" the surface in the way we think of it. Here's a breakdown of what happens:

* Space Rocks: Meteors are small pieces of rock or dust that enter the Earth's atmosphere from space.

* Friction: As they fall through the atmosphere, they encounter friction from the air. This friction causes the meteor to heat up tremendously.

* Burning Up: Most meteors are so small that they burn up completely before reaching the ground, leaving behind a streak of light we call a "shooting star."

* Larger Meteors: Only the larger, more substantial meteors survive the fiery descent and reach the Earth's surface. These are called meteorites.

So, it's not so much a "hit" as a fiery entry and sometimes a landing.

Here are some factors that affect whether a meteor survives and becomes a meteorite:

* Size: Larger meteors have more mass and are less likely to burn up entirely.

* Composition: Some materials are more resistant to burning than others.

* Angle of Entry: A shallow angle of entry allows more time for the meteor to burn up, while a steeper angle increases its chances of reaching the surface.

Let me know if you have any more questions about meteors and meteorites!