Physics Question #142
Denise Atkins, a 13 year old female from the Internet asks on February 28, 2000,
What causes asteroids to burn up once they enter earth's atmosphere?
viewed 14850 times
The answer
Barry Shell
answered on February 28, 2000
Air. Air molecules rubbing against a very fast moving object, even if it is made of metal or rock, will heat the object so much that it will burn up. Objects that are really big may be able to resist being entirely burnt, and can make it right to Earth.
Asteroids are typically very big and would not burn up. You are probably thinking of meteorites. The space shuttle has a very special ceramic tile coating so that it will not burn up on re-entry.
Add to or comment on this answer using the form below.
Note: All submissions are moderated prior to posting.
If you found this answer useful, please consider making a small donation to science.ca.