Book 16, Question 23
Why Are Deserts Good Places to Find Meteorites?
Deserts are great places to find meteorites, which are space rocks that fall to Earth! Meteorites look like dark rocks, and deserts are mostly pale with few plants to hide them. The dry air also keeps them from rusting or breaking down quickly.
More fun facts
- A meteorite can land anywhere on Earth, even in the oceans.
- Some of the best places to find meteorites are dry, bare lands.
- Deserts have few plants or trees to hide a meteorite.
- Deserts also get little rain, which would otherwise wash or wear meteorites away.
- A meteorite can show up as a very dark rock that looks different from the usual brown desert rocks.
- Top meteorite hunting places include Antarctica, the desert in northwest Africa and the American Southwest.
Sources: ASU
Questions kids ask
Why are wide open spaces good for meteorite hunting?
With few other rocks around, an odd dark stone stands out and is easier to spot.