* No Central Star: Meteorites are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun. They don't have their own star to revolve around like planets do.
* Irregular Orbits: Meteorite orbits are often irregular and unpredictable. They can be influenced by the gravity of planets and other celestial bodies, causing their paths to change.
* No Defined Axis: Meteorites don't have a specific axis of rotation like planets do. Their tumbling motion is more random and chaotic.
Instead of revolution and rotation, we talk about a meteorite's:
* Trajectory: This refers to the path a meteorite takes through space.
* Velocity: How fast the meteorite is traveling.
* Entry Angle: The angle at which the meteorite enters Earth's atmosphere.
What happens when a meteorite enters Earth's atmosphere?
* Friction: The meteorite's high velocity causes friction with the air, generating heat.
* Burning: The intense heat causes the meteorite to burn and often disintegrate.
* Meteor: This burning phenomenon is what we see as a meteor or shooting star.
* Impact: If the meteorite survives the atmosphere, it may hit the ground and become a meteorite.
Let me know if you have other questions about meteorites!
