Can anyone identify a meteor?

Answer 1

Do you mean "meteorite"? If you have a rock and wonder whether it came from space, that's meteorite identification.

Given some instructions, you can probably distinguish whether something is or is not a meteorite for yourself reasonably well. Take a look at this page: http://meteorites.pdx.edu/meteoriteid.htm . It will give you the first-pass checks. Also look at this page: http://www.meteorman.org/Meteorwrongs_index1.htm . It lists things commonly mistaken as meteorites.

To summarize, most meteorites:
* are really heavy for their size.
* have a brown or black surface.
* often, they have an outer coating.
* have a "thumb-print" pattern on their exterior.
* attract a standard magnet.
None of these are required characteristics of a meteorite, but it's very unlikely you have a meteorite if the rock doesn't match at least of few of these.

The only way to be absolutely certain is to have your rock classified at a testing lab. You can find a contact list here: http://www.meteoritestudies.com/protected_FOUND.HTM

Answer 2

If you are asking whether just any old "Joe" can Identify a meteor, the answer is yes. If you are wondering if a rock is a meteor or just a rock, hold a magnet against it and if it sticks to the rock, it is a meteor. More information can be found at the below address.

Answer 3

i'm a still a beginner on witnessing meteor shower.

Answer 4

That would be Apophis. You'll be able to see the asteroid in 2012, really see it a decade or so later and there is the possibility that it could hit earth, 1:45,000, in 2036 and really burn brightly.

Answer 5

yeah, they dont last very long when they enter the atmosphere, you've probably seen dozens

Answer 6

I can, i have supersonic vision