A meteorite is a rock or metallic object that originates in space and reaches the Earth's surface via atmospheric entry and impact. These celestial bodies are remnants from asteroids, comets, or other extraterrestrial sources, providing valuable records of the early solar system composition. Upon entering a planet's atmosphere, the object undergoes intense heating, which can cause it to fragment or slow dramatically, creating a visible streak of light known as a bolide or fireball. Meteorites are generally classified by composition, including stony (silicate minerals), iron (metallic alloys), and stony-iron mixtures. Their study is integral to understanding the formation and evolution of planetary bodies and the materials present in the early cosmos.