Micrometeorite

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/micrometeorite

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How heavy is Micrometeorite?Constitutes the majority of extraterrestrial material accreted by Earth
2. What is the scientific name?Micrometeoroid that has survived atmospheric entry
3. What is the entry velocity?Minimum of 11 km/s (approximately 24,650 mph)
4. How do micrometeorites reach the ground?They travel very fast, over 11 km/s, and heat up as they pass through the air, but some of them survive and land on Earth.
5. Where can we find micrometeorites?They can be found all over the world, but scientists look for them in places like Antarctica's ice or on tall buildings where dust collects.

Ablation: The process of material being worn away from a solid surface by vaporization or erosion.
Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs): Even smaller particles originating from comets and asteroids in interplanetary space.
Protoplanetary Disk: A rotating disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a newly formed star, from which planets form.