Understanding What a Meteor Shower Is
A meteor shower happens when Earth passes through a trail of debris left by a comet or asteroid. These tiny particles burn in the atmosphere and create streaks of light.
How Meteor Showers Work
As the particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, they heat up and glow. This produces bright flashes known as meteors, or “shooting stars.”
Why Meteor Showers Repeat
Comets leave behind dust and ice in their orbit. Each year, Earth crosses the same debris path, creating predictable meteor showers like the Perseids or Leonids.
Where Meteor Showers Are Seen
They can be observed from anywhere with a dark sky. The best views come from places far from city lights and during clear weather.
How to Watch a Meteor Shower
No special equipment is needed. Simply lie back, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and look toward the sky’s darker areas. Patience reveals many meteors.
The Simple Takeaway
A meteor shower is caused by tiny space particles burning in Earth’s atmosphere. They create bright streaks of light that make the night sky come alive.