Do meteroites give off radiation?

Question

I have a meteorite fragment that is highly magnetic, and I wanted to know if it is also radioactive? Is there a way I can find out? Do they usually give off radiation?

Answer 1

Use a Geiger counter

(Everything gives of radiation of some sort)

Meteorites could  could be really radioactive, perhaps store it in a lead container of some sort?

Answer 2

Don't worry about it. If it is magnetic, it is probably just a typical ferrous meteorite. Mostly Iron. None of the radioactive rare earths are magnetic, and even if they were, I have never heard of a meteorite that contained a radioactive material in a dangerous quantity.

The natural history museum debunks it further in their FAQ on meteorites.

"Are meteorites radioactive?

No. Meteorites do contain radioactive elements, however, not significantly more than any ordinary terrestrial rock."

Answer 3

Yes, they usually do give off what most people think of as 'radiation'.

As other users have already pointed out, radiation comes in many forms.

Anyway, back to main topic. Generally they do, if they have hit the Earth, because they have had to pass through the atmosphere, which contains charged ions in the upper part of the atmosphere.

These ions stick to the meteor and remain fro a while.

Other reasons for radiation can be that the meteor had previously passed close to a celestial body emitting radiation, or the meteor itself could be made up of radioactive materials form the beginning, which give off radiation as they decay.

Answer 4

If you mean a dangerous level of radiation, then yes, they certainly can. It depends on where they're from, I believe.

Answer 5

Yes, they do. If they didn't give off radiation, you couldn't see them. Plus, anything that is at a temperature warmer than absolute zero gives off radiation.

Answer 6

Radiation is given off as particles decay. Everything gives off radiation. If you're worried about radiation poisoning, you can go get tested, but I doubt you have anything to worry about.