Meteorite impacts occur when a meteorite, a solid fragment from space, collides with the Earth's surface. These objects can vary in size, from small rocks to large boulders, and can travel at high speeds. When they enter the atmosphere, they create a bright streak of light known as a meteor before reaching the ground. The impact of a meteorite can create craters and cause significant damage, depending on its size and speed. Some famous examples include the Chicxulub crater, linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs, and the Barringer Crater in Arizona, which is a well-preserved site of a past impact.