Axios

Asteroids, comets and meteorites are increasingly essential to scientists' understanding of our solar system.

Why it matters: These objects are proxies for the elements and chemicals present in the early solar system.

Severe storms swept across much of the eastern and southern U.S. overnight, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail to several states, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The big picture: At least two people died from the storms, while downed trees and power lines left thousands of homes across the area without power on Tuesday morning.