Definition
A meteor is the streak of light that appears in the sky when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up due to friction. It's commonly known as a "shooting star" or "falling star." The intense heat generated by the meteoroid's high speed causes it to vaporize, creating the bright trail we see. Most meteors are small and burn up completely before reaching the ground. Think of a meteor as a fleeting, fiery spectacle in the night sky.