Weather Explainers

Weather Words: Meteor Shower

A meteor shower is a dazzling celestial event where numerous meteors streak across the sky as Earth passes through a trail of comet or asteroid debris.

If you’re lucky enough to witness a meteor shower, you’ll get to watch one of the most breathtaking light shows the universe can put on.

A meteor shower is a celestial event where dozens or even hundreds of meteors streak across the night sky, all appearing to come from the same point, known as the radiant. These meteors are tiny bits of space debris, often no bigger than pebbles, that burn up as they slam into Earth’s atmosphere at incredibly high speeds.

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The clear dark sky at Cumberland Gap NHP's Hensley Settlement is perfect for viewing the Perseid Meteor Shower!
(NPS)

As they vaporize, they leave behind bright, brief trails of light we often call “shooting stars.” Meteor showers happen at predictable times each year because Earth passes through the same debris trails left behind by comets or, in some cases, asteroids.

Some meteor showers dazzle with slow, bright fireballs, while others create quick, faint streaks that zip across the sky. The best viewing usually happens after midnight, far from city lights, where the sky is darkest.

And unlike many cosmic events, meteor showers don’t require special equipment. This event just needs patience, a comfy spot to lie back, and a clear sky. It’s one of the easiest (and most magical) ways to connect with the universe right from your backyard.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.