Scientists identify seven stages of meteorite entry into Earth’s atmosphere
Researchers from the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center published findings in Meteoritics & Planetary Science on October 28, 2026, detailing seven specific stages space rocks undergo before reaching the ground.
Analysis of video recordings
Scientists examined video recordings and photographs from 75 recorded meteorite falls to understand the process. Their review shows that melting and violent fragmentation control how much mass a rock loses during descent.
Role of heat and light
Previous beliefs suggested solid rocks would simply evaporate due to intense heat generated by air collisions. The new data indicates that breaking apart happens alongside melting rather than simple evaporation determining the outcome.
Impact on fragment location
The discovery explains why meteorites scatter across the ground after surviving the journey through the atmosphere. These findings also clarify how dangerous asteroids explode while traveling through Earth's air.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.