Meteorites, which are fragments of asteroids or comets that survive their journey through the Earth's atmosphere and reach the surface, do not move unilaterally with the universe or solely in the direction of the solar system due to several factors:
Gravitational Forces: The motion of celestial bodies, including asteroids and comets, is influenced by gravitational forces. While the universe as a whole is expanding, the gravitational interactions between various celestial objects, such as galaxies, clusters, and dark matter, can cause complex motions. These gravitational forces can affect the trajectories of meteoroids (smaller fragments of asteroids or comets) and redirect them towards different regions, including the Earth.
Orbital Dynamics: The solar system consists of various celestial bodies with their own orbits around the Sun. The planets, including Earth, have relatively stable orbits that confine their motion within a specific range. However, asteroids and comets have more eccentric and unpredictable orbits. They can have orbits that cross the paths of the planets, including Earth. When an asteroid or comet crosses Earth's orbit at the right time, it can encounter the planet and collide with its atmosphere, becoming a meteorite.
Collisions and Perturbations: Within the solar system, there are numerous small bodies, such as asteroids and comets, that interact with each other. Collisions and gravitational perturbations from larger objects, such as planets or even close encounters with other asteroids or comets, can alter the trajectory of a meteoroid and send it on a path towards Earth.
Atmospheric Entry: When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it experiences intense heat and friction due to air resistance. This causes the outer layers of the meteoroid to ablate or vaporize, creating a glowing trail known as a meteor or shooting star. The atmospheric drag further alters the trajectory of the meteoroid, often causing it to slow down and change direction. This atmospheric braking effect helps bring meteoroids down to Earth.
It's important to note that while meteoroids may appear to come from different directions, they are ultimately following their own individual trajectories within the larger dynamics of the solar system and the universe. The specific circumstances, interactions, and chance encounters determine whether a meteoroid will eventually become a meteorite on Earth.