These are the rocks from space that can be dangerous here on earth. Entry into the atmosphere When meteors hit the atmosphere, they rub against air particles and create friction. The intense heat vaporizes most meteors, creating what we call shooting stars. Shooting stars first become visible when they are about 60 miles up. When meteors hit the ground, they're called meteorites .
Meteors usually break apart A faster meteor is more likely to break apart before it hits the ground.
Meteors made of iron can handle the stress better than those made of stone. But even most iron meteors crack up around 5 to 7 miles up, where the atmosphere is thicker. When a rock from space hits the ground, it can blast out a crater that is 12 to 20 times the size of the rock. Smaller rocks from space create simple, bowl-shaped craters. Larger objects cause a rebound that creates a peak in the middle.