The Randall Carlson
@therandallcarlson·632K subscribers·2.1K videos
It Hits the Atmosphere at 20 Miles a Second
Posted
March 26, 2026
Views
123,489
Likes
2,235
Comments
82
Engagement
1.88%
March 26, 2026
123,489
2,235
82
1.88%
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0:31Now PlayingAt entry speeds of between 10 and 20 miles per second, an incoming object traverses the entire depth of Earth's atmosphere in roughly one to two seconds. The atmosphere has no time to move out of the way. Instead it compresses in front of the object, building pressure at a rate that scales directly with velocity. At a certain point - depending on the size, density and composition of the impactor - that atmospheric pressure exceeds the molecular cohesion holding the object together. It does not crack or split. It turns inside out and explodes.
FRIDAY 27TH - 8PM EDT
Join Randall in a special episode with Darren Grimes and Graham Dunlop, looking at the cosmic origins of the Finger Lakes in New York State
Fancy joining Randall out in the field and investigate ice age geology and evidence of megafloods? Learn more about his Finger Lakes tour here
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