[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

Re: (meteorobs) Caltech Question of the Week



In a message dated 97-02-02 15:39:45 EST, you write:

>
>Note to be a purist or anything, but a meteor can't hit anything. A meteor
>is the flash of light created when a meteoroid burns up in the atmosphere
>(or a piece of human created space debris). A piece that survives to hit
>the ground is a meteorite. Sorry to nit pick so much, but these terms
>and rotate/revolve are my pet peeves.
>
>Kris Larsen
--------
Kris, This is one of those things that will make you cringe when you read
it....that is using the word "meteorite" for everything that pertains to
meteors in general. It's good to have a clarification on a list like this
once in awhile just to educate the not so informed people. But you will still
see it used wrong. You just have to live with it and mentally adjust the
proper word for your own understanding as you go along. On occasions a
reminder such as yours will help...meanwhile...life moves on.
George Zay