Meteors: Asteroids, Comets, Meteorites, and Falling Stars

Meteors, also known as shooting stars, are remnants of comets or asteroids that orbit the Sun. When these objects cross Earth's path, they enter the atmosphere at high speeds, often exceeding 25,000 miles per hour (40,000 kilometers per hour). As they travel through the atmosphere, the air resistance causes them to heat up and vaporize, creating the bright streaks of light we observe.

 

Most meteors are small, ranging in size from a grain of sand to a pebble, and they typically burn up completely before reaching the ground. However, larger meteors can produce spectacular fireballs and may even survive the journey to become meteorites if they land on Earth's surface.

 

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left behind by comets, resulting in an increased number of meteors visible in the night sky. Studying meteors provides valuable insights into the composition of our solar system and its history.