Meteor Showers

Meteor showers are celestial events during which numerous meteors are observed entering the Earth’s atmosphere. These meteors are typically small particles, often the size of a grain of sand or a pebble, that originate from comets or asteroids. When these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high velocities, they heat up due to friction with the air, producing bright trails of light known as “shooting stars.” Meteor showers are named after the constellation from which they appear to radiate, known as the “radiant.” Each shower is associated with specific celestial bodies; for example, the Perseids are linked to the Swift-Tuttle comet. Meteor showers occur at regular intervals throughout the year, often peaking over a few nights, making them predictable astronomical events that skywatchers can eagerly anticipate. Some of the most well-known meteor showers include the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids. These events can vary in intensity, with the number of meteors visible per hour fluctuating based on the shower’s activity and the viewing conditions. Meteor showers provide a spectacular and accessible way for people to appreciate the dynamics of our solar system.