"A meteorite is a fragment of space rock that has survived its course through a planet's atmosphere. Meteorites start off as meteoroids trapped inside of comets. When those comets melt, the meteoroids break free and may head off towards other planets. When they reach a planet's atmosphere, it burns up, forming a bright fireball and is known as a meteor. Most meteors burn completely before they hit the planet. However, when they do strike, they break into fragments and are known as meteorites like the one shown here. Most meteorites are made mostly of rock, but the one shown here is made entirely of iron; therefore, it is greatly attracted to my magnet, and I usually keep it inside a glass container to prevent it from rusting."