For example the Eta Aquarids in May, and the Orionids in October, are both associated with Comet Halley. The Geminids arrive in December, and seem to be debris from asteroid Phaeton - which could possibly be the inert remnants of an old comet. Meteorite finds are important because they provide clues about what the inner solar system was like millions or even billions of years ago. Most meteorite finds are Irons. Stones weather and disintegrate quickly whereas iron meteoritesweather very slowly and can last for many thousands of years.
Meteorites range in size from many tonnes down to a few grams.
The W.A. Museum has one of the world's best collections of meteorites. An asteroid or comet may hit the Earth with explosive force, instantaneously melting rock and splattering it. In Australia the Aboriginals used to break them up to use them as cutting tools and scrapers.