Q:
What causes a green shooting star?
A:
Quick Answer
The bright green color of some meteorites is caused by the internal combustion of metals as they pass through the upper atmosphere. Many asteroids are rich in nickel and have trace amounts of copper. Both metals burn green when sufficiently heated.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Reinhold Wittich/Stocktrek Images
Stocktrek Images
Getty Images
Full Answer
As a meteor enters Earth's atmosphere, contact with the air in front of it slows its descent. As this happens, air is compressed in front of the falling object in a phenomenon known as bow shock. Air heats as it is compressed and can easily rise to the point that small quantities of copper and nickel compounds burn off. This generates a green gas that is backlit by the glowing air of the bow shock.
Learn more about Comets & AsteroidsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are the possible benefits of astroid mining?
A: Asteroid mining offers the possibility of a nearly inexhaustible supply of minerals, ranging from base metals such as nickel and iron to valuable ores like... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the difference between a comet and a meteor?
A: A comet is a frozen collection of rocks, gases and dust that orbits around the sun, while a meteor is a piece of debris that comes into contact with a plan... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some of the asteroids that burned up in the atmosphere?
A: Asteroids that burned up in the atmosphere include asteroid 2014 AA and 2008 TC3. Both asteroids were spotted by telescope as they entered Earth's atmosphe... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What do asteroids and comets have in common?
A: Asteroids and comets have several things in common, including a relatively small size as compared to planets and a lack of a viable atmosphere. Asteroids r... Full Answer >Filed Under:
