Bill. Instantly when the meteorite hits, its' heat and energy is transferred to the earth. And Bill, you are not using logic. How the the earth be hit by a meteor??? It cannot be hit with a meteor. It's just scientifically impossible! The meteorites that will hit the earth will destroy 50-90% of humans. They will be a 1/2 mile in diameter and will break up into smaller pieces. 75% of the sources for oxygen will be destroyed. Jonathan