https://www.universetoday.com/articles/7-stage-journey-reveals-how-falling-space-rocks-survive-air By Laurence Tognetti, MSc - August 31, 2026. Recorded by our Editor, Richard Drumm. At least once in our lives, we've all seen a bright streak of light briefly blaze across the sky and have quickly referred to it as an asteroid, meteor, shooting star, comet, or some other whimsical name we've heard others use to describe it. For those calling it a meteor, you would be correct, but we'll touch upon this later. The time it takes for a space rock, bolide being its scientific name, to travel through Earth's atmosphere and crash into the ground literally takes only a few seconds. But what happens to a space rock during this very brief travel time, and how can scientists use this to learn about a specific space rock's origin and the potential damage it could cause if it explodes in mid-air? Phase 1: Atmospheric entry; Phase 2: Brightness begins; Phase 3: Brightness increases with fireball appearance; Phase 4: Brightness maintains while melting begins; Phase 5: Front of rock begins to break apart; Phase 6: Back of rock breaks apart; Phase 7: Melting and breaking apart continue until glowing stops, followed by melting ending and wind discards crusted pieces. [Editor's Note: OK, that could be 8 stages if you'd prefer…] We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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