A meteorite is a solid fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface. These extraterrestrial rocks can originate from asteroids, comets, or even other planets and moons. Meteorites provide valuable scientific insights into the composition of celestial bodies and the early solar system. They come in various types, including stony, metallic, and stony-iron meteorites, each offering different information about their origins.