* Astronomy

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RE: Meteors

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The Differences between Meteoroids, Meteors, Meteorites and Comets

Meteoroids are stone or metal chunks moving through space ranging in size from a particle the size of a grain of sand to the size of a boulder (smaller than an asteroid). By definition, they are located within our solar system. As long as they are free in space, they continue to be called a meteoroid.
If a meteoroid enters into the gravitational field of a planet or moon, however, and is headed toward that object's surface, it then becomes, and is called, a meteor. The popular misnomer for a meteor is 'shooting star,' although clearly a meteor is not a star. A star getting even remotely close to Earth would bring about the planet's demise. The Earth could not survive either the gravitational force of a star, nor its heat or its light.
Meteors not only produce a light trail, they produce a smoke trail. A meteorite is simply a meteor that strikes the Earth's (or any other planetary surface).
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Ed ~ Note: If a meteoroid enters into the atmosphere of a planet or moon, it then becomes, and is called, a meteor.

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Meteor

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K0GUV 6 Meters Meteor Scatter

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Perseid meteor shower

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Fireball Meteor

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05/19/2009 Meteor Trails

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05/17/2009 Meteor Trails

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05/09/2009 Meteor Trails

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Comet and Meteor - Astronomy Picture of the Day - 2009 January 5

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This meteor streaking toward the horizon through the early morning sky of January 4th is from the annual Quadrantid meteor shower. Aligned with the shower's radiant point high in the north (off the top of the view), the meteor trail passes to the right of bright bluish star Beta Scorpii. Remarkably, near the top of the trail is a small spot, the fuzzy greenish glow of a comet. Discovered in July of 2007, Comet Lulin (C/2007 N3), is too faint now to be easily seen by the unaided eye, but will likely brighten to become visible to skygazers by late February. The well-timed skyscape featuring both comet and meteor is particularly appropriate as cometary bodies are known to be the origins of planet Earth's annual meteor showers.