METEORITES: IMPACT AND MEANINGS IN HISTORY

In many ancient mythologies, meteorites have been integrated into stories and legends that shape the worldview of those societies. For example, in Norse mythology, the extraterrestrial iron of meteorites was associated with the god Thor, reinforcing his association with lightning and strength. Epic tales from different cultures, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey of ancient Greece, also allude to meteors and shooting stars, weaving them into the fabric of heroic adventures and human destinies.

Over the centuries, meteorites have also found their way into world literature, inspiring writers to explore themes of destiny, catastrophe, and transformation. In his novel Meteor (1901), French writer Jules Verne imagines an expedition to a giant meteorite in Antarctica, exploring the scientific and philosophical implications of such a discovery. Similarly, in contemporary science fiction, celestial objects are often used as plot devices, whether to represent an imminent apocalyptic threat or to symbolize the hope of a new beginning for humanity.

The impact of meteorites goes beyond their symbolic significance , sometimes even influencing major historical and cultural events. For example, the Sikhote-Alin meteorite, which fell in Russia in 1947, attracted considerable scientific and public interest due to its impressive size and its potential to provide information about metallic meteorites. Similarly, the Chicxulub impact about 66 million years ago is widely considered to be one of the major factors contributing to the extinction of the dinosaurs and profound environmental changes on Earth.

Meteorite impacts are so fascinating that they have become famous tourist sites such as the Meteor Crater Observatory in Arizona, USA. In the field of art and architecture, meteorites have also left their mark, inspiring creations that testify to their enduring fascination.

Today, meteorites continue to fascinate scientists, artists, and the general public, raising questions about our origins, our place in the universe, and our future as a species. Space exploration missions, such as those of NASA and ESA, aim to collect samples of meteorites from other planets and asteroids, providing new insights into the composition and evolution of the solar system.

In contemporary popular culture, meteorites continue to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration, appearing in blockbuster films like “ don't look up ,” video games like the popular arcade game “ Asteroids ,” and even works of art like “ It came from outer space ,” the sculpture imagined by Marianne Vieulès. Their evocative power of mystery, danger, and wonder fuels the imagination of creators and audiences alike, reinforcing their status as enduring cultural symbols.