Asteroids, comets and meteorites. Cosmic invaders of the Earth / Астероиды, кометы и метеориты. Космические захватчики Земли

Asteroids, comets, and meteorites have been objects of fascination, speculation, and fear for most of recorded human history. Early peoples thought that fiery streaks in the sky were omens of ill fortune and sought refuge from their evil powers. Impacts of comets and meteorites with Earth are now recognized as the main cause for several periods of mass extinction on the planet, including termination of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Comets and meteorites may also have brought much of the water, air, and perhaps even life to Earth. The planets themselves coalesced from numerous smaller asteroids, comets, and interplanetary dust.Asteroids, comets, and meteorites were therefore essential for the formation of Earth and life and were also responsible for the end of the line for many species <...>