Meteorites are often thought to be extremely hot when they land on Earth, but this is a misconception based in the modern age largely on films and television, as well as a long history of ill-informed and over-dramatised literature and fineart-depictions.
When a meteorite enters Earth's atmosphere, it travels at high speeds, causing the outer layer to heat up and ablate due to friction with the air. This process creates a bright streak of light, commonly known as a 'shooting star.' However, the intense heat is mostly confined to the thin outer layer, which often burns off before the meteorite reaches the ground.
By the time a meteorite lands, it has typically cooled down significantly. The interior of the meteorite remains cold, as space is a frigid environment. According to research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences department, the cooling process is rapid once the meteorite slows down and descends through the lower atmosphere. The American Meteor Society also notes that many meteorites are found to be cool to the touch or only slightly warm upon landing.
The misconception that meteorites are hot when they land may stem from their fiery entry through the atmosphere. However, the cooling effect of the atmosphere and the short duration of the heating phase mean that meteorites are not the fiery objects they appear to be when they reach the Earth's surface. In fact, some meteorites have been found with frost on them, indicating their cold interior.
Understanding the thermal dynamics of meteorites is crucial for scientists studying planetary formation and the history of our solar system. For more detailed insights, refer to publications from the Meteoritical Society and the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, which provide comprehensive analyses of meteorite composition and behavior upon atmospheric entry.
