Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: roadcat
I thought it's a meteor in space.

That would be a meteoroid. The term "meteor" refers to the appearance or phenomenon as obsevered. The word itself refers originally to any atmospheric phenomenon, such as a cloud, or lightning.

The use of this general term for what we now think of as "meteors" has a similar history to the term UFO, which linguistically defers the question of identification, but in usage devolves to a particular conclusion.

5 posted on 12/02/2016 6:47:22 PM PST by dr_lew (I)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies ]


To: dr_lew

It’s still not a meteorite if it’s in space. Has to hit the ground.


6 posted on 12/02/2016 6:56:52 PM PST by roadcat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


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