https://www.universetoday.com/articles/7-stage-journey-reveals-how-falling-space-rocks-survive-air
By Laurence Tognetti, MSc - August 31, 2026.
Recorded by our Editor, Richard Drumm.
At least once in our lives, we've all seen a bright streak of light briefly blaze across the sky and have quickly referred to it as an asteroid, meteor, shooting star, comet, or some other whimsical name we've heard others use to describe it. For those calling it a meteor, you would be correct, but we'll touch upon this later. The time it takes for a space rock, bolide being its scientific name, to travel through Earth's atmosphere and crash into the ground literally takes only a few seconds. But what happens to a space rock during this very brief travel time, and how can scientists use this to learn about a specific space rock's origin and the potential damage it could cause if it explodes in mid-air?
Phase 1: Atmospheric entry;
Phase 2: Brightness begins;
Phase 3: Brightness increases with fireball appearance;
Phase 4: Brightness maintains while melting begins;
Phase 5: Front of rock begins to break apart;
Phase 6: Back of rock breaks apart;
Phase 7: Melting and breaking apart continue until glowing stops, followed by melting ending and wind discards crusted pieces.
[Editor's Note: OK, that could be 8 stages if you'd prefer…]
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