Meteors, Meteoroids, Meteorites 

A meteor is a small fragment of cometary or asteroidal material that enters the atmosphere at high speeds. Meteors are sometimes also incorrectly referenced as shooting stars because of the streak of light you see in the sky caused by the high rates and, therefore, the heat it creates. Prior to entering Earth's atmosphere, a piece of comet or asteroid floats in interplanetary space. In this state, it is known as a meteoroid. On most occasions, meteoroids burn up entirely once they enter the atmosphere and become meteors; however, on the rare occasion that it doesn't burn up and makes it to the Earth's surface, meteors, or the pieces left of them, become meteorites. In short, meteoroids are pieces of comets or asteroids while they are floating in interplanetary space. Meteors are the term used to describe meteoroids once they enter Earth's atmosphere at high speeds. Meteorites are what's left, if anything, on the Earth's surface.

Meteor Showers

Specific Meteor showers occur annually because of the earth's rotation. As the planet passes by the debris left by a comet or asteroid, a meteor shower can occur. Most meteor showers are named after stars or constellations seen near the meteor showers. Some famous Meteor showers include Perseids, Leonids, and Orionids. 

Perseids are active from approximately mid-July to early September and peak around August 12th every year. The name Perseids originates from the constellation "Perseus, the hero ."All Perseid meteors are a piece of the comet "Swift-Tuttle," a comet that orbits the sun every 135 years. Its next peak will be August 12-13th, 2023. On that night, the moon will be 10% full.

The Leonids meteor shower comes from the comet "Tempel-Tuttle ."The Leonids are commonly known for their meteor showers in the years 1833, 1866, 1966, 1999, and 2001. The name Leonids originates from the constellation "Leo the Lion ."It will peak next on November 17-18th, 2023. At that time, the moon will be 23% full.

The Orionids meteor shower comes from the comet "1P/Halley". The Orionids got their name from the constellation "Orion." The Orionids will achieve their next peak on October 20th-21st, 2023. On this night, the moon will be 37% full.

Meteorites

Meteorites are pieces of Meteors that survive the voyage to Earth. These pieces of asteroid or comet range from the size of a pebble to a fist. Most meteorites come from asteroids, as comets are relatively fragile. For this reason, you will most likely not find a meteorite after a meteor shower since most meteor showers come from comets. Meteors can also come from Mars or the Moon. Meteorites can be challenging to distinguish from regular Earth rock in most regions of the world. They do have burnt appearing exteriors which can seem shiny. However, they can be spotted much more quickly in sandy desserts or icy desserts. Meteorites can be used to study the early solar system and its conditions and processes. Meteorites are some of the original materials that formed planets billions of years ago. As of 2019, there are approximately 190 impact craters on Earth. Meteorites are very informative and play a major role in helping scientists identify more about the unknown, including space and its history. Because the more we know about its history, the more we can deduce its future.