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Meteorites can come from

A. comets
B. Mars
C. the cores of asteroids
D. the Moon
E. all of the above

User BHuelse
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

Meteorites are remnants from space that may originate from comets, Mars, the Moon, or the cores of asteroids. They provide crucial insights into the early solar system's composition and the formation of celestial bodies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Meteorites can indeed come from various sources in our solar system. They can be debris from comets, from planetary bodies such as Mars or the Moon, or they can come from the cores of asteroids. When these celestial bodies enter Earth's atmosphere and survive the trip to the surface, we refer to them as meteorites. The most primitive meteorites are carbonaceous and contain a variety of organic molecules, reflecting their origins from early solar system materials.

These celestial remnants give scientists valuable insights into the formation and composition of our solar system. Examination of meteorites allows us to understand the original materials that made up the planets and other bodies, serving as a time capsule from the period when the solar system was forming.

User Srivatsan
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2 votes

Final answer:

Meteorites can come from the cores of asteroids, comets, Mars, and even the Moon, serving as key scientific evidence of the solar system's early composition. (Option E),

Step-by-step explanation:

Meteorites can indeed come from various sources within our solar system. They are debris from space that survive the journey through Earth's atmosphere and make contact with our planet's surface. Most meteorites are primitive stones, which are often dated to the very origin of the solar system, approximately 4.5 billion years ago. They are broadly classified based on their composition as irons, stony-irons, or stones. Specifically, carbonaceous meteorites can contain organic molecules and are seen as important scientific evidence of the early solar system's makeup.

Meteorites have been known to come from the cores of asteroids, some of which can be differentiated or fragmented due to collisions. The information gives us valuable insights into the original composition of these celestial bodies, making them akin to chemical fossils. While many meteorites originate from asteroids, others are also found to come from comets, Mars, and even the Moon. Meteor showers and observed meteorite falls offer opportunities for scientists to collect and study these extraterrestrial materials. (Option E),

User Pablo Estrada
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