What causes a shooting star - Shooting stars - One of the most fascinating and thrilling scenarios for the skywatchers several times a year.
However, have you ever wondered how these unforgettable night shows occur? Or what causes a shooting star?
Let’s find it out!
Here’s what causes a shooting star:
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LUNAR PHASE PRO NOW!
Shooting stars, or meteoroids, are caused by tiny bits of dust and rocks in space.
These tiny specs of rocks and dust are a trail of debris (commonly called a meteor stream) left behind in the path of a comet when it revolves around the sun. However, thousands of meteoroids take birth when such layers come in Earth’s way.
Therefore, having the same enchanting and twinkling glow as the stars, these meteoroids then hit the Earth’s atmosphere, move at very high speeds (around 30-70 km/s), and collide with the air particles creating friction and heat.
The heat burns up the meteoroid, and as a result, we see a short and bright streak of light in the night sky, commonly named a shooting star.
So, it is simple.
Shooting stars are the GLOWING meters!
Wait for a second; isn’t it scary seeing a burning rock falling from the sky?
Well, not actually. That’s because these shooting stars are TOO small and burn up before landing on Earth. Thus, they can not harm you in any way.
By chance, if it reaches the Earth, it is then called a meteorite. But that’s very RARE.
Do shooting stars mean anything?
Yes. Shooting stars not only decorate the night sky with their bright patterns, but their beauty and rarity have bound them to many spiritual meanings.
Stars are an outline of the universe and have been associated with many things in different cultures throughout history.
Some people believe that seeing a shooting star indicates that something will positively change your life.
Others say a wish made upon a shooting star for a good reason will be fulfilled. Few think that shooting stars indicate good luck and fortune.
Furthermore, many cultures believe that if a woman wants to conceive, she sees a shooting star; it signifies fertility.
It is also believed that seeing a shooting star will bring love to your life. Or it can also indicate that a person you love the most will be your soulmate.
Hence, shooting stars have always been treated as good omens and can rarely stand for anything bad.
Read Must: Twin Meteor Showers