ScienceJuly 19, 2026
bolide
ˈboʊlaɪd
Definition
A large, exceptionally bright meteor that often explodes upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, or an asteroid that is sufficiently large and bright to be categorized as such.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'bolis' or 'bolidos', meaning 'missile' or 'flash'. The term entered English in the early 19th century to describe visually spectacular meteors.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the type of celestial body being studied, emphasizing the risks involved when a spacecraft navigates dangerously close to such a massive, potentially volatile object.
Scientists told them, 'No, it's too dangerous,' but they did it anyway: Inside Japan's super-close asteroid flyby
Read the full article ↗Space