ABSTRACT
An individual who is afraid to go outdoors for fear of being hit by a meteorite is generally regarded as neurotic. Such worry is unreasonable, we think, because being hit by a meteorite, while quite possible, is an exceedingly rare event. Being struck by lightning is also rare, but it is more likely than being hit by an astronomical object, so we devote a little more concern to it. Being struck by a car is still more likely, so we are careful when we cross streets, but the chances are still low enough that we don't give much thought to the possibility of being run down.
