What Exactly are Meteor Showers and Are They Dangerous?

Have you ever made a wish on a shooting star? It’s a great way to make your dreams come true – or so they say. Interestingly, though, you’re actually wishing on a streak of glowing air on the tailwind of a hot rock from outer space.

Let’s examine what exactly are meteor showers and whether or not they’re dangerous.

What Is a Meteor?

A meteor is a streak of light in the sky caused by a meteoroid, or lump of rock, falling into the earth’s atmosphere from outer space.