Part of the meteorite that landed in Hoba, Namibia in 1920

Where they occur: All over the world

Occurrences per year: Meteorites weighing around 10g (0.35oz) fall to Earth at a rate of 1 per 2590 sq km (1000 sq miles) each year

Size: Ranges from small particles to a few hundred tonnes

Speed: Average velocity is around 100kmph (62mph)

Max speed: 8,400kmph (5,200mph) when entering Earth’s atmosphere

Casualties: No record of any human deaths

Meteorites are often called shooting stars, because they produce a vivid streak of light as they fall, burning through the Earth’s atmosphere. They are chunks of matter from space, which have become trapped in our atmosphere. Most meteorites vaporise harmlessly, while others fall with the force of stones dropped from a tall building.

Large meteorites are quite rare, on average a meteorite measuring 1m (3ft) across hits Earth’s surface about once each year. The largest, recorded, intact meteorite is known as the Hoba West. Weighing in at 60 tonnes, it was found in Namibia in 1920. Meteorites believed to come from Mars contain the remains of organic matter, which suggests Mars had a wetter, warmer climate around three billion years ago.