Meteor showers happen from "summary" of Space Encyclopedia by David A. Aguilar,Christine Pulliam,Patricia Daniels
Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through the debris left behind by a comet. Comets are made of ice, rock, and dust, and as they travel through the solar system, they leave a trail of debris in their wake. When Earth's orbit intersects with this debris, the particles enter our atmosphere and burn up, creating the streaks of light we see in the night sky. These streaks of light are known as meteors, and during a meteor shower, you can see dozens or even hundreds of them in a single night. Some meteor showers occur annually, like the Perseids in August or the Geminids in December, while others are more sporadic and unpredictable. The intensity of a meteor shower can vary from year to year, depending on how much debris is in Earth's path. Meteor showers are named after the constellation from which they appear to originate. For example, the Perseids appear to come from the constellation Perseus, while the Geminids appear to come from Gemini. However, you don't need to know the constellations to enjoy a meteor shower – just find a dark spot away from city lights, look up at the sky, and be patient. Meteor showers are a reminder of our place in the vast universe and the constant motion of celestial bodies around us. They are a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight that has fascinated humans for centuries. So next time you hear about a meteor shower happening, take the time to step outside and look up at the sky. You never know what wonders you might see.
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