≡A meteor
A meteor occurs when particles from the Solar System enter the Earth's atmosphere, leaving a luminous trail in the sky. If the meteor is large and hits the ground without vaporizing, it is called a meteorite. The particles that give rise to meteors and meteorites are called meteoroids and are small particles of material from the Solar System. The meteoroid's friction with the atmosphere creates the temporary incandescence we see as a meteor. In dark places, it is possible to observe shooting stars, especially during meteor showers. Meteorites that are brighter than stars or planets sometimes occur in the night sky, known as "fireballs." Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through the orbit of a comet, resulting in a large number of meteors visible in the sky for several days.
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