Bolide

space · meteors · explosions

Super bright meteor. A bolide is much brighter than an ordinary meteor, shining as intensely as the full moon or even brighter in the sky. Scientists measure this brightness on a special scale called apparent magnitude.

Explodes or crashes. Some bolides explode in Earth's atmosphere with tremendous force, while others are large enough to smash into the ground and create impact craters. Both types are called bolides.

Crater-forming rock. A bolide is a big space rock, usually made of metal or stone, that comes from outer space. When it hits Earth, it can leave behind a massive circular scar called a crater.

Fireballs in the sky. When a bolide enters our atmosphere, it gets so hot from friction that it glows brilliantly, creating a dazzling fireball that people on the ground can see. The brightest ones are visible even in daylight.