Meteorites burn up when they enter Earth's atmosphere due to friction with the air molecules. As they travel through the atmosphere at high speeds, they encounter a lot of resistance which generates heat. This heat causes the meteorite to vaporize and disintegrate, creating the bright streaks we see in the sky.
Meteorites are able to survive the intense heat of entering Earth's atmosphere due to their high melting points and strong structures. Most meteorites are made of iron, nickel, and other metals which have high melting points. Additionally, the outer layers of meteorites often melt and vaporize, acting as a protective shield for the inner layers.
No, not all meteorites burn up when they enter Earth's atmosphere. Some larger or more dense meteorites are able to withstand the heat and make it to the ground. These meteorites are often found in the form of meteorite craters or impact sites.
In most cases, meteorites burning up in the atmosphere do not cause harm or damage to people or objects on the ground. The heat generated is dissipated over a large area and the remaining fragments are often small and light enough to not cause significant damage. However, there have been rare instances where larger meteorites have caused damage upon impact.
Scientists study meteorites that have burned up in the atmosphere by collecting the fragments that have landed on the ground. These fragments can provide valuable information about the composition and origins of the meteorite. Additionally, scientists can study the light emitted during the burning process to gather information about the meteorite's speed, trajectory, and chemical composition.