SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -Most meteorites reach the Earth’s surface in the form of dust or very small particles after passing through the atmosphere, which is why we do not normally see them. However, believe it or not, some 17, 000 meteorites fall to Earth every year.

Detailed explanation-2: -Such meteorites strike the Earth relatively infrequently-a 1 km sized object strikes the Earth about once every million years, and 10 km sized objects about once every 100 million years. The velocities at which small meteorites have impacted the Earth range from 4 to 40 km/sec.

Detailed explanation-3: -At its size, if the asteroid did strike the planet, it could cause a terrible disaster. Not only would it flatten tens of kilometers of land, the shockwaves will cause damage hundreds of kilometers in all directions.

Detailed explanation-4: -Dust and soot from the impact and combustion will float in the air for a year or so, blocking the sunlight. Without sunlight, plant, animal, and marine life will perish. The Chicxulub Crater in Mexico is a stern reminder of how life came to a halt 65 million years ago causing the extinction of dinosaurs.