Meteor vs Meteorite

Meteor:
- A meteor is a flash of light seen in the sky when a small piece of interplanetary debris burns up as it enters Earth's atmosphere.
- Meteors are commonly known as shooting stars or falling stars.
- These streaks of light are caused by the rapid heating and vaporization of the meteoroid as it travels through the Earth's atmosphere.
- Meteors are typically seen for a brief moment before they completely disintegrate.

Meteorite:
- A meteorite is a fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface.
- Meteorites can vary in size, ranging from tiny particles to large rocks weighing several tons.
- They are composed of various materials, including metals, rocks, and minerals.
- Scientists study meteorites to learn more about the composition and history of our solar system.

Key Differences:
- Meteor is the flash of light seen in the sky, while a meteorite is the actual fragment that reaches the Earth's surface.
- Meteors are visible in the sky, while meteorites are physical objects that can be collected and studied.
- Meteors are formed from interplanetary debris, while meteorites are remnants of meteoroids that have survived the journey through the atmosphere.
In conclusion, the main difference between a meteor and a meteorite lies in their nature and visibility. While meteors are fleeting flashes of light in the sky, meteorites are tangible objects that have landed on the Earth's surface.