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Astronomy and Space

Comets and Meteorites

How many meteorites land on Earth in a given year?

Approximately 26,000 meteorites, each weighing over 3.5 ounces (99.2 grams) land on Earth during a given year. Three thousand of these meteorites weigh more than 2.2 pounds (1 kg). This figure is compiled from the number of fireballs visually observed by the Canadian Camera Network. Of that number, only five or six falls are witnessed or cause property damage. The majority fall in the oceans, which cover over 70 percent of Earth’s surface.



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