What distinct glow do iron (Fe)-rich materials frequently contribute to a meteor's color?
Answer
Yellow
Iron ($ ext{Fe}$), which is prevalent in many rocky meteoroids, contributes a specific yellow spectral signature when its atoms are vaporized and excited in the upper atmosphere. This yellow light is characteristic of iron emissions at the wavelengths observed during meteor ablation. While other elements also contribute to the overall brightness, iron's specific chemical fingerprint manifests as a noticeable yellow component in the resulting light. This contrasts with magnesium, which favors blue-green, and sodium, which also contributes yellow but often mixed with orange.
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