Is it a meteor or a meteorite when it makes moonfall?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the terminology used to describe objects that fall to the surface of the Moon, specifically whether they should be classified as meteors or meteorites. Participants explore definitions and implications of these terms in the context of lunar landings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference definitions from Wikipedia, stating that a meteorite is a rock that has fallen to the surface of a planet or moon.
  • One participant questions whether the term 'meteorite' should be applied in a mineralogical sense, suggesting that identification on the ground would depend on the object's properties.
  • Another participant challenges the conventional terminology, proposing the term 'ameteorite' for objects that land on the Moon, arguing that the lack of atmosphere on the Moon makes the standard classification inappropriate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate terminology, with no consensus reached on whether to use 'meteorite' or an alternative term for lunar objects.

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Per wiki: A meteorite is a rock that originated in outer space and has fallen to the surface of a planet or moon.
 
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Thanks. I was wondering if it were defined as an 'ite' in the mineral sense since, once on the ground, you'd have to identify it by its properties.
 
Drakkith said:
Per wiki: A meteorite is a rock that originated in outer space and has fallen to the surface of a planet or moon.
Down with the entrenched atmosphericist terminology. There's no weather on the Moon, innit?
It should be an ameteorite.
 
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