Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

To: Little Pig

As I said; outside the atmosphere it’s an asteroid. While falling through the atmosphere it’s a meteor.


17 posted on 02/16/2013 12:43:27 AM PST by TigersEye (The irresponsible should not be leading the responsible.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies ]


To: TigersEye
As I said; outside the atmosphere it’s an asteroid. While falling through the atmosphere it’s a meteor.

I was taught to remember the Latin roots in a high school meteorology and astronomy class. Astro, astronomy, asteroid. In outer space. Meteor, meteorology, within the atmosphere. Meteorite, stalagmite, stalagtite, the "-ite" suffix is a geological reference, so it's on the ground.

Pretty basic linguistic distinctions, really. But people have somehow gotten the notion that the terms refer to size, including the erstwhile genius Michael Medved.

Oh well, it won't be the first time he's been wrong and certainly won't be the last. Pity he'll never know it.

57 posted on 02/16/2013 5:33:14 AM PST by RegulatorCountry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson