A new study has shed light on the factors that determine the shape of meteorites. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, found that the shape of a meteorite is determined by a combination of its size, composition, and the conditions it experiences during its journey through the Earth's atmosphere.

"We found that meteorites that are larger than about 10 centimeters in diameter are more likely to be spherical, while smaller meteorites are more likely to be irregular in shape," said lead author Dr. Ashley King from the University of Chicago. "This is because larger meteorites experience more aerodynamic heating during their entry into the Earth's atmosphere, which causes them to melt and become more spherical."

The composition of a meteorite also plays a role in its shape. Meteorites that are rich in iron and nickel are more likely to be spherical, while meteorites that are rich in stone are more likely to be irregular in shape. This is because iron and nickel are more easily melted than stone, so meteorites that are rich in these elements are more likely to become spherical when they experience aerodynamic heating.

Finally, the conditions that a meteorite experiences during its journey through the Earth's atmosphere can also affect its shape. Meteorites that enter the atmosphere at a shallow angle are more likely to be spherical, while meteorites that enter the atmosphere at a steep angle are more likely to be irregular in shape. This is because meteorites that enter the atmosphere at a shallow angle experience more aerodynamic heating, which causes them to melt and become more spherical.

The new study provides a better understanding of the factors that determine the shape of meteorites. This information can be used to help identify meteorites and to learn more about the conditions they experience during their journey through the Earth's atmosphere.

In addition to the factors discussed above, the shape of a meteorite can also be influenced by its internal structure. For example, meteorites that contain large crystals or voids are more likely to be irregular in shape, while meteorites that are composed of fine-grained material are more likely to be spherical.

The shape of a meteorite can also provide clues about its origin. For example, meteorites that are spherical in shape are more likely to have originated from the asteroid belt, while meteorites that are irregular in shape are more likely to have originated from the Moon or Mars.

By studying the shape of meteorites, scientists can learn more about their origin, composition, and the conditions they experience during their journey through the Earth's atmosphere.