Meteorite blast in Russia injures hundreds

When a meteorite enters the atmosphere at high speed, friction causes it to heat up and melt, forming a fireball that can reach 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This can lead to an explosion in the atmosphere, creating a shockwave. An example of this occurred over Eastern Russia, where a meteorite exploded at an altitude of 10 to 20 kilometers, resulting in a shockwave that injured hundreds of people.

What causes a meteorite to heat up as it travels through the atmosphere?

• Friction with the atmosphere

• Solar radiation

• The gravitational pull of the Earth

• Magnetic fields

What temperature can a meteorite fireball reach?

• 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit

• 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit

• 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit

• 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit

What phenomenon can occur when a meteorite explodes in the atmosphere?

• A rainbow

• A shockwave

• A tornado

• A hurricane

At what altitude did the meteorite explode over Eastern Russia?

• 5 to 10 kilometers

• 30 to 40 kilometers

• 10 to 20 kilometers

• 20 to 30 kilometers

What was the impact of the meteorite explosion over Eastern Russia?

• It caused a tsunami

• It injured hundreds of people

• It created a new island

• It caused a volcanic eruption