What defines a meteorite?

A meteorite is specifically defined as a meteoroid that survives its passage through Earth's atmosphere and impacts the planet's surface. The journey begins when a meteoroid—essentially a small rock or particle from space—enters the atmosphere and becomes a meteor, which refers to the bright trail produced by the object as it vaporizes upon entry. If the meteoroid is substantial enough to resist complete disintegration and makes it to the ground, it is then classified as a meteorite.

The other options describe different celestial phenomena but do not accurately define a meteorite. For instance, the first option refers to a meteor that burns up in the atmosphere, which does not reach the surface and thus cannot be classified as a meteorite. The third option incorrectly identifies a type of comet, which is fundamentally different from a meteorite in terms of composition and origin. The last option describes a celestial body that has left the solar system, which is unrelated to the definition of meteorites, as they pertain to objects that interact with Earth.

In summary, the essence of a meteorite is its successful transition from the state of a meteoroid, through the atmospheric entry and eventual impact with Earth, marking its classification as a meteorite upon reaching