Can we learn all about the universe without leaving Earth? A meteorite that landed on Earth last year has sold in an auction. It is now worth more than gold. What's happening? It was a quiet night. The people of Winchcombe were enjoying their evenings in. But outside, something was happening that would change their lives. A meteoriteA small piece of rock that has broken off an asteroid is known as a meteoroid. If it enters the Earth's atmosphere, most of it will burn up; the rock that remains is a meteorite. was landing in their town. Find out more One year on, the space rock has been sold. It was put up for auction in February. One piece of rock weighing 15g sold for £22,304. So, why was it so expensive? First, it is very rare. This was the first space rock to be found in the UK in 30 yearsMost of the tighter US abortion laws introduced in the US this year have not come into effect as they are awaiting legal challenges.. And experts say it is special. Material on its surface is ancientVery old. . One scientist says it is “a glimpse into what the Solar System looked like as it was forming some 4.6 billion years ago”. As they study it, scientists could use it to find out more about how Earth was created. It could even show us how likely it is that similar planets exist somewhere else in space.
The rock from the birth of the Solar System
As they study it, scientists could use it to find out more about how Earth was created. It could even show us how likely it is that similar planets exist somewhere else in space.
Can we learn about the universe without leaving Earth?
Yes! With finds like the meteorite, we have been able to unlock some of the greatest secrets of creation. Telescopes can discover whole worlds we would never be able to reach. They can find out about the surface of stars and planets far away. As technology keeps getting better, there is no need for us to travel in space ourselves.
No. The universe is infiniteLimitless or endless. An amount impossible to count. . There will always be more for us to discover. The meteorite and telescopes help us learn. But nothing compares to going into space and seeing things for ourselves. We know far more about the Moon now that we have been to it. The same will be true for Mars and anywhere else humans can visit.
Keywords
Meteorite - A small piece of rock that has broken off an asteroid is known as a meteoroid. If it enters the Earth's atmosphere, most of it will burn up; the rock that remains is a meteorite.
30 years - Most of the tighter US abortion laws introduced in the US this year have not come into effect as they are awaiting legal challenges.
Ancient - Very old.
Infinite - Limitless or endless. An amount impossible to count.
The rock from the birth of the Solar System
Glossary
Meteorite - A small piece of rock that has broken off an asteroid is known as a meteoroid. If it enters the Earth's atmosphere, most of it will burn up; the rock that remains is a meteorite.
30 years - Most of the tighter US abortion laws introduced in the US this year have not come into effect as they are awaiting legal challenges.
Ancient - Very old.
Infinite - Limitless or endless. An amount impossible to count.