Meteorites were formed at the birth of the solar system, about 4,560 million years ago. We have no material on Earth as old as this.
Only by studying meteorites can we learn about the processes
that shaped our solar system and our planet. Meteorites are pieces
of ancient material that survive their fall to Earth from space.
A meteorite is named after a place nearest to where it landed.
Meteorites are often covered with a thin, black crust - the fusion
crust - formed where the surface of the meteorite has melted through
frictional heating as it came through the atmosphere. Only the
outermost layer of the meteorite melts: the inside remains cold.
What are meteorites made from?
Where do meteorites come from?
Where are meteorites found, how big are they, and how often do the fall?
Illustration
This project is part of the Earth Materials, History and Processes Research Theme.
For further information contact:
Dr Monica Grady
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD UK
Tel: +44 (0) 171 938 9445 Fax: +44 (0) 171 938 9268
Email: mmg@nhm.ac.uk
