What are shooting stars? The truth behind the spark in the sky

What Are Shooting Stars? The Truth Behind the Spark in the Sky (Image: Canva)

On a clear evening, the sky will appear to be motionless and unchanging, yet occasionally a fleeting flash flashes across the blackness. These bright paths, commonly referred to as shooting stars, have long been considered captivating by human nature. But what are they actually, and why do they suddenly appear?

What Actually Is a Shooting Star?
A shooting star is not actually a star. It is actually a tiny bit of space rock or dust, also referred to as a meteoroid, that enters Earth's atmosphere. These minuscule pieces move at astronomical speeds, typically at around 72 kilometres per second. When they impact air molecules, they vaporise high up in the air, producing a glowing streak of light that we refer to as a meteor. Most meteors vaporise between 100 and 80 kilometres above Earth’s surface before reaching the ground.

Where Do Shooting Stars Come From?
The history of a meteor commonly starts with a comet. When a comet orbits the Sun, it loses dust and debris along the way, creating a trail behind it. When our planet's orbit intersects this dusty trail, the particles then enter the atmosphere and vaporise, producing meteor showers. These showers occur at regular intervals every year since scientists are aware of when our planet will pass through these trails. The more recent the comet’s visit, the more meteors we can expect to see.

What Is the Difference Between Meteors and Meteorites?
Space debris has different names depending on its location. Before entering our atmosphere, it is called a meteoroid. When it burns up in the sky, it is a meteor. If part of it survives the trip through flames and hits Earth, it is a meteorite. Meteorites may be billions of years old and hold secrets of the solar system's early days.

Why Do Meteor Showers Have Names?
Every meteor shower appears to originate from a specific location in the sky. This location is referred to as the radiant, and showers are designated according to the constellation in which the radiant is found. Not all meteors are part of a shower, though. Some appear randomly and are called sporadic meteors. Occasionally, a meteor shines brighter than most. These are called fireballs, and the rarest, called bolides, can even create sound as they light up the sky.

How Can You Watch a Meteor Shower?
Meteor watching is one of the simplest ways to enjoy astronomy. No telescopes or special tools are needed. The best views come from dark locations far from city lights. Observers should give their eyes time to adjust and look up for long periods. The later into the night you watch, the higher your chances of spotting meteors. Even faint flashes can make for a memorable night beneath the stars.

The next time you see a shooting star, remember it is not a falling star at all. It is a tiny visitor from space, burning brightly for a few seconds before vanishing into the night.