2.2.6. Meteorites

The space debris, while entering the atmospheric layers of earth are burnt due to the friction of air. Only the heavier objects whose outer layers have been burnt fall to the earth. Man has discovered many such meteorites and after examining them obtained evidences about the interior of the earth. The meteorites which have been examined are of two types: (i) Rock; and

(ii) Metals.

The metallic meteorites chiefly contain heavy materials like iron and nickel. The meteorites too have originated during the formation of solar system. It is, therefore, very much in order to believe that both the meteorites and the earth are made of similar materials.