Synopsis
Describes what meteors and micrometeors are, and describes the different types of meteorites, including lunar and martian meteorites, and how meteorites form craters.
Children's Literature
On a clear night you may be fortunate enough to see a streak of light speed across the sky. These "falling stars" are more than sources of potential wishes. They are meteorites that fly through the boundless dimensions of space. Meteors are really portions of asteroids or comets that generally burn up upon entry into the earth's atmosphere. However, on an annual basis approximately 30,000 meteors of four ounces or more strike the Earth's land surface. In most cases, these meteors go unnoticed, as they are mere rocks that do not stand out to the uninitiated eye. However, on some occasions meteors are recovered. These pieces of space offer clues to mysteries that scientists are attempting to solve. In space, astronauts most fear meteors, and there tiny micro-meteor cousins. These passing specks, sometimes no larger that a miniscule pebble, can damage spacecraft and endanger their pilots. All in all, meteors and meteorites are a fascinating element of the cosmos. It is to these stony space-travelers that Gregory Vogt turns his attention in this chapter in "The Galaxy" series. Vogt combines an informative and entertaining text with numerous colorful illustrations to create a book that younger readers will find interesting. 2002, Bridgestone Books, Romaneck