Meteorites are solid fragments of material that survive their journey through the Earth's atmosphere and land on the surface. They originate from various sources, including asteroids, comets, and even the Moon or Mars. When these objects enter the atmosphere, they heat up due to friction, often creating a bright streak of light known as a meteor. Once a meteorite reaches the ground, it can provide valuable information about the early solar system. Scientists study meteorites to learn about the composition of asteroids and the processes that shaped our planetary system. Some meteorites contain organic compounds, offering insights into the potential for life beyond Earth.