The surface of meteorites is often melted, which requires a sufficiently high temperature, and immediately after falling
September 23, 2020 | Education
| The surface of meteorites is often melted, which requires a sufficiently high temperature, and immediately after falling, they are usually only warm. How to reconcile both facts?
A meteorite heats up to its melting point in just a few seconds. During this time, only a thin surface layer has time to melt. With further movement, the layer cools down quickly.
