Meteoric stones are rocks that fall to Earth from space. The spelling of the word "meteoric" is mɪˈtɪərɪk, with the stress on the second syllable. The "eo" in meteoric is pronounced as a long "e" sound, and the "ic" ending is pronounced with a hard "k" sound. The word "stones" is spelled stəʊnz, with the stress on the first syllable. The "o" in stones is pronounced as a long "o" sound. Together, "meteoric stones" describes a fascinating phenomenon that can capture the imagination of many.
Meteoric stones, also known as meteorites, refer to solid objects originating from outer space that survive their journey through Earth's atmosphere and reach the Earth's surface. These stones are remnants of asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies that have traveled through space before colliding with our planet.
Meteoric stones can vary in size, shape, and composition. They can be as small as a pebble or as large as several meters in diameter. These stones are typically composed of a variety of minerals, including iron, nickel, and various silicates.
The process of a meteoroid entering Earth's atmosphere and surviving the intense frictional heat is referred to as meteoric entry or meteor ablation. As the meteoroid travels through the atmosphere, the intense heat causes it to glow brightly, creating the phenomenon commonly known as a shooting star. Most meteors completely burn up in the atmosphere, but some larger or more durable meteoroids manage to survive and become meteoric stones.
These stones are of great interest to scientists and researchers as they provide valuable information about the early Solar System's formation and evolution. Studying the composition and characteristics of meteoric stones can help shed light on the origins of planets, the formation of our Solar System, and even the potential presence of organic compounds or water on other celestial bodies.
Those masses of hard matter which occasionally fall on the earth from the upper regions; aerolites.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "meteoric stones" is a combination of two terms: "meteoric" and "stones".
- Etymology of "Meteoric": The term "meteoric" is derived from the Latin word "meteoricus", which originates from the Greek word "meteorikos". This adjective is related to the noun "meteōros", meaning "raised from the ground" or "suspended in the air". In ancient times, "meteor" was used to refer to any atmospheric phenomenon that occurred above the Earth's surface, including celestial objects like shooting stars, comets, and meteors. Over time, "meteor" became more specifically associated with objects that fall to Earth from space.
- Etymology of "Stones": The word "stones" has Old English roots and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "stainaz".