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The impact of falling stars

Ever watch a ‘falling star’? Most of this material is just microscopic dust. However, sometimes, the rocks are much larger.

The results of an impact depend entirely on the size of the rock. The kinetic energy involved grows exponentially with mass. Imagine, if you will, what happens if the rocks are larger.

The impact of falling stars Back to video

Let’s start with a rock one meter across. This is roughly the size of a large boulder. It travels at tens of thousands of kilometers per hour. As it hits our atmosphere, friction generates immense heat. The surface of the rock boils away. It glows brilliantly against the night sky. We call this a shooting star. For a rock this size, the thick air is like a brick wall. The rock vaporizes completely. It never reaches the ground. The kinetic energy is harmlessly absorbed high above us.

Now imagine a rock ten meters across. This is the size of a small house. It carries far more mass and kinetic energy. It punches much deeper into the atmosphere........

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