[Capt.April]

I seem to remember from my old college astronomy days there's a "meteoroid" -> "meteor" -> "meteorite" which is from space to atmosphere to impact. Does that sound right?

Where's Sean Connery & Brian Keith when you need 'em?
(if you get that reference your as geeky as me!)

[Cold Heat]

"meteoroid" -> "meteor" -> "meteorite"

That was my understanding. The difference in terms all have to do with impact.

For example, you have space dust and debris, but when it hits something it becaomes a micro-meteorite.

It is a hit or miss thing I would suppose.

To glow, it would have to be a bit closer. Like around 90-120 miles or so, I believe. Much depends on how far the atmosphere extends, as it is varies depending on many factors.

120 would be about right in most places.

[Lawgvr1955]

Where's Sean Connery & Brian Keith when you need 'em? (if you get that reference your as geeky as me!)

Not only do I get the reference, I remember playing the pinball machine made on the movie's theme when I was in school. Shows both geekdom and age!

[Prince Charles]

I remember the movie... it could be described as "Fantasy Island" meets "Coast to Coast AM."

[Walkingfeather]

outland?