Meteorite and asteroid: what are their differences?

The proximity of asteroids and meteorites to our planet has generated concern and fascination. Scientists constantly monitor these space objects to anticipate any possible impact.

Technological and scientific advances have allowed a better understanding of asteroids and their behavior, which is crucial for the safety of the Earth, but do you know if there are differences between an asteroid and a meteorite?

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Differences between an asteroid and a meteorite

Although the terms Asteroid and meteorite are often used interchangeably, there are significant differences among them. An asteroid is a rocky object that orbits the Sun, and can vary in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers.

The asteroids They are mainly found in the asteroid belt and are remains of the formation of the solar system.

On the other hand, a meteorite is a fragment of an asteroid or comet that has entered the atmosphere and has reached the Earth’s surface. When an asteroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it becomes a meteor due to friction with the air, which generates a bright trail of light.

If the meteor does not completely disintegrate and reaches the ground, It is called a meteorite.

Is an asteroid or a meteorite more dangerous?

In terms of danger, Both asteroids and meteorites can pose a threat for the Earth.

However, large asteroids that impact Earth can cause catastrophic damage, as is believed to have occurred in the event of extinction of the dinosaurs.

Meteorites are usually smaller andalthough they can cause significant damage locally, do not have the same potential destructive than a large asteroid.

The most studied asteroids

There are several important asteroids that have been studied due to its unique characteristics or its proximity to Earth. These include Ceres, the largest asteroid in the asteroid belt, and Vesta, known for its complex geological structures.

There is also Eros, one of the first asteroids to be visited by a space probe, and Apophis, a near-Earth asteroid that has been the subject of studies due to to its potential impact in the future.

One of the most significant events in the history of asteroids It is the impact that is believed to have ended the lives of the dinosaurs. This event, known as the Chicxulub impact, occurred approximately 66 million years ago.

The asteroid, about 10 kilometers in diameter, impacted on what is now the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, creating a crater more than 150 kilometers in diameter.

The collision released energy equivalent to billions of atomic bombs, causing forest fires, tsunamis and a nuclear winter that led to extinction massive number of species, including dinosaurs.

PJG