How Many Meteorites Have Hit Earth?
Meteorites are pieces of natural cosmic debris that are made up of rocks and metals, such as iron and nickel. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these extraterrestrial objects are known to enter the Earth’s atmosphere where some manage to strike the surface. While most meteorites burn up in the atmosphere before they ever get close to the ground, a few have managed to make it to Earth, making a significant impact on our planet’s history.
Throughout the centuries, there have been a lot of meteorites that have been found on Earth, although there are probably many more that weren’t documented due to their location and size. In this article, we will delve into some of the most famous meteorites that have struck the earth and explore the impact they have had.
What Is a Meteorite?
Before exploring the various meteorites that have impacted Earth, it’s important to understand what they are and how meteorites come to be. Simply put, a meteorite is a bit of solidified matter from space that has survived a journey into Earth’s atmosphere. It can come from individual rocks that form the asteroid belt, small planets, and other debris from larger planets.
Meteorites are typically made up of metals, rocks, and maybe a bit of ice. As it enters our atmosphere, it burns up due to friction, creating a shooting star that most of us are familiar with. Some smaller meteorites, however, are able to make it down to the Earth’s surface before burning out and these are the pieces that make up the majority of meteorites that have made it to Earth.
Famous Meteorites and Their Impact on Earth
Throughout Earth’s history, there have been a variety of meteorites that have made an impact on our planet. From famous space rocks that crashed into the ground to larger meteor showers, some of these meteorites have left a lasting effect on our planet and in our minds. Here are some of the most famous meteorites throughout history.
- Allende Meteorite
This famous space rock was first seen in Pueblito de Allende, in Mexico back on February 8th, 1969. It is the largest carbonaceous chondrite meteorite yet discovered and came from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The meteorite was around 10.5 feet in length, making it the largest meteorite ever found. It is estimated to have been around 4.6 billion years old and is thought to contain some of the earliest material from the formation of the solar system.
- Sikhote Alin Meteorite
Not as large as the Allende Meteorite, the Sikhote Alin meteorite is still an important part of Earth’s meteorite history. Unlike the Allende Meteorite, the Sikhote Alin meteorite is a group of smaller pieces of metallic-rich material that fell to earth on February 12th, 1947. The Tikho Alin meteorite had a very dramatic effect, raining debris in a shower over a 2.3-mile long area and leaving thousands of tiny meteorites which have been used in research at universities.
- Campo del Cielo Meteorite
In Argentina, an area known as “Campo del Cielo” has been known for a meteorite shower for centuries. It was estimated to have landed in the area 4,000 years ago and is thought to have come from the neighboring planetoid, called 16 Psyche. In the area, there have been various large masses of iron meteorites discovered, and there are also many smaller pieces that have been gathered by local population.
- Murchison Meteorite
The Murchison meteorite was first witnessed falling in the wet Victorian town of Murchison, Australia on September 28th, 1969. This large space rock landed in a wheat field and left a 300-foot long plunge and crater in the forms of small pieces. The meteorite remains the most studied carbonaceous chondrite meteorites yet discovered.
- Tunguska Meteorite
The Tunguska meteorite is probably the most famous of all meteorites that have impacted Earth. On June 30th, 1908, the meteorite is said to have exploded over the Podkamennaya Tunguska region in central Russia. While no traces of meteorite were ever found, it is estimated that the space rock measured at least a half-mile in diameter and caused an explosion that was over 1,000 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
So, how many meteorites have hit Earth? Overall, there have been approximately 5,500 known meteorites that have been discovered, and while there are probably many more that have yet to be found, these are some of the most famous and documented meteors that have impacted our planet throughout history. From pieces of metal raining down over Mexico and Australia to an apocalyptic explosion in Russia, these meteorites have made Earth a unique and impactful place in terms of space exploration.
Studying and researching these meteorites has allowed us to gain a better understanding of the history of our universe and helped us to unlock invaluable information that would have remained a mystery otherwise.