Meteorites and shooting stars

In short: Shooting stars are small rock or dust particles that burn up on entering Earth’s atmosphere, producing a streak of light. If an object reaches the Earth’s surface, it is called a meteorite.

In more detail: The terms differ by state: meteoroid in space, meteor when glowing in the atmosphere, meteorite on the ground.

In detail

• Meteor showers: Regular events such as the Perseids occur when Earth passes through comet dust.
• Speed: Most particles burn up completely from frictional heat before reaching the ground.
• Meteorite types: Stony meteorites, iron meteorites and mixed forms differ in composition.
• Craters: Larger impacts can leave notable craters, such as the Nördlinger Ries in Germany.
• Observation: A dark sky without light pollution significantly improves visibility.
• Scientific value: Meteorites provide clues about the formation of the solar system.
• Risk of confusion: Satellites or aeroplanes are occasionally mistaken for shooting stars (plattentektonik).