Why do objects burn as they enter a planet's atmosphere?

Subject: Why do objects burn as they enter a planet's atmosphere?

Date: Sat Mar 11 15:27:36 2000
Posted by Terri
Grade level: nonaligned School: No school entered.
City: Lincoln State/Province: NE Country: USA
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 952810056.As

Message:


Is there something existing at the edge of a planet's atmosphere that 
burns objects as they enter?  How is this avoided when spacecraft are 
brought back into our atmosphere.  Is the entry speed important?

Re: Why do objects burn as they enter a planet's atmosphere?

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