what is the largest thing that will burn up in the earths atmosphere?

Answer 1

There have been cases of objects up to millions of tons that have been totally disrupted in the atmosphee (therefore, did not crash on the ground).

However, I do not know if this qualifies as "burning up"

In general, meteors don't really "burn up". Most of the light we see is from the air being rammed (over-compressed) in front of the meteor. Meanwhile, the meteor is "ablated" -- the air molecules acting like sand-paper against the meteor. Pieces of comets can be easily destroyed in the atmosphere.

In 1908, it is thought that a million-ton piece of comet was disrupted in the atmosphere, probably as high as 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 mi.). It is the airburst pressure wave that caused the destruction on the ground.

So, the direct answer to your question is "millions of tons" as long as you are flexible with your definition of "burning up".

Answer 2

largest thing that will burn up in the earths atmosphere is meteors.Quadrantids
January 2- 4.

Lyrids
April 20 - 22

Eta Aquarids
May 2 - 7.

Delta Aquarids
July 20 to August 14

Perseids
July 29 to August 18

Draconids
Oct 10

Orionids
Oct 17-24

Taurids
Oct 20 to Nov 25

Leonids
Nov 14-19

Andromedids
Nov 15 to Dec 6

Geminids
Dec 8 - 15

Ursids
Dec 19 - 22

Ariertids
May 29 - June 17

Zeta Perseids
June 1-15

Beta Taurids
June 23 - July 7

(:P)

Answer 3

thats depending on an objects mass, density, speed and the vector it enters the atmosphere.

one can just estimate

as an example of what happens:
a satellite for example would burn apart to like 90%
only solid parts survive the entry, such as parts of the structure, and specific solid other compounds

maybe you investigate into the skylab-crash over australia to get some ideas in this ?

Answer 4

Size isn't really as important as makeup and density, but to technically answer your question the largest thing, not paying attention to size would be something exactly the same size and dimension as earth's atmosphere.(anything larger would miss earth and just blow past it), but the keys are density and composition.

Answer 5

Depending on the angle of impact 50 to 100 yards would be my guess. The density of the object would also impact the size.

Answer 6

I would imagine it's speed, mass and density would also effect this calculation wouldn't it? Perhaps a chunk of Ice?

Answer 7

Your mom.