Re: What does it occur if a meteorite falls on a gas planet ?

A comet (Comet Shoemaker/Levy 9) actually fell on Jupiter a number of years 
ago.  It was a comet stretched out into over twenty segments.  When they 
impacted they created  huge explosions (not seen from the Earth) and huge 
black clouds.  The black clouds were about the size of the Earth, from 
fragments only a few kilometers in diameter.  If a crater was formed it 
would be a temporary crater in the gas clouds to be filled up quickly.

Any impact on a gas giant would likely do the same thing regardless of 
their composition and whether it was a comet, asteroid or meteor.  Even if 
the object was made of iron (which become meteorites on Earth), it would 
likely still burn up in the gas giant's atmosphere and a leave a huge dark 
cloud.

For more information on Comet Shoemaker/Levy 9 check out the FAQ: http://www.physics.sfasu.edu/astro/sl9.html

Some of the impacts were actually visible from backyard telescopes when 
they occured after the atmosphere rotated them into view.

Clear skies, 
Brent