Meteor fireball, artwork C018 / 0287
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Meteor fireball, artwork C018 / 0287
Meteor fireball. Artwork of a fireball as a large meteoroid (originally a small asteroid) heats up as it passes through Earths atmosphere. The meteoroid may explode in the air (an airburst), or it may survive to impact the ground as a meteorite. The effect of a large meteorite impact or meteor airburst over a city would be catastrophic, with extensive damage and loss of life. Asteroids that are 30 to 40 metres across are large enough to wipe out a city. Around a million such asteroids exist, though unlike the larger asteroids that could cause global destruction, only a small number of these city killers are being tracked
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9236991
© CLAUS LUNAU/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Asteroid Atmosphere Burn Burning Disintegrate Disintegrating Fireball Geophysics Impact Impacting Meteor Meteorite Meteoritic Meteoroid Planetary Science Space Weather Cutouts
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork, titled "Meteor Fireball" beautifully captures the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a large meteoroid hurtling through Earth's atmosphere. Created by Claus Lunau, this illustration vividly portrays the intense heat generated as the meteoroid heats up during its descent. As it pierces through our planet's protective shield, this celestial visitor faces two possible fates: an explosive airburst or surviving to impact the ground as a meteorite. The image serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that could ensue if such a city killer were to collide with an urban area. With devastating power and unimaginable force, asteroids measuring 30 to 40 meters in diameter have the potential to wipe out entire cities. Astonishingly, there are approximately one million of these potentially deadly space rocks lurking within our cosmic neighborhood; however, only a small fraction is currently being tracked. Against a clean white background, this artwork showcases not only the sheer beauty but also highlights humanity's vulnerability when faced with extraterrestrial threats. It symbolizes how crucial it is for us to continue monitoring and studying these celestial objects diligently. By doing so, we can enhance our understanding of space weather and planetary science while striving towards safeguarding our precious home planet from potential impacts that may disintegrate everything we hold dear.
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