Meteor shower

A meteor shower is a phenomenon in which many meteors impact in a relatively short time and in approximately parallel trajectories. They occur when a planet passes through a comet or former comet's orbit, and is bombarded by left-over debris (rocks, etc). Each meteor shower occurs at a predictable time each year.

Almost all meteor showers are harmless (contrary to some folklore and urban legends, the chance of being hit are exceedingly remote).

A very intense meteor shower is called a meteor storm.

See also

• meteoroid
• meteorite