Two rare meteorites, one found in Africa, the other found in Antarctica, are helping scientists gain a better understanding of the formation of our solar system. The two meteorites in the study have a much higher metal content than other chondrite meteorites. By studying the metal-rich rocks, scientists believe these meteors were formed very close to a hot young Sun, and then blasted out to the asteroid belt. Most meteorites are believed to be leftover debris from the formation of our solar system, matter that never made it into a planet or moon. This debris has been traveling in the space between planets for over 4.5 billion years.
Most meteors burn up completely as they pass through our thick atmosphere.
The larger pieces, however, survive the passage and land on our planet or splash down in the ocean. Scientists then study these rocks with a great deal of interest. Because our solar system formed so long ago, most of the original building materials have been modified, heated, melted, and generally changed beyond recognition. This fact leaves scientists at a bit of a loss. There is evidence - the space debris.