A meteorite is a solid fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface. These objects can vary in size, composition, and origin, providing valuable insights into the early solar system and planetary formation. Meteorites are classified into different types based on their mineral content, such as stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites. Scientists study meteorites to learn more about the history of our solar system and the materials that make up celestial bodies.