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Meteors create streaks of light from "summary" of The Secret World of Stargazing by Adrian West
When meteors streak across the night sky, they create dazzling flashes of light that capture our attention and ignite our curiosity. These streaks of light are the result of tiny particles called meteoroids entering Earth's atmosphere at high speeds. As they hurtle through the air, friction with the atmosphere causes them to heat up and glow brightly, leaving behind a luminous trail in their wake. The appearance of a meteor streak can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the meteoroid, its speed, and the angle at which it enters the atmosphere. Larger meteoroids tend to produce more intense and longer-lasting streaks, while faster-moving ones may create a brief but brilliant flash of light. The angle of entry also plays a role, with steeper angles often producing shorter, more abrupt streaks, while shallower angles can result in longer, more graceful trails. Meteor streaks can be seen anywhere in the night sky, but they are most commonly observed during meteor showers, which occur when Earth passes through a cloud of debris left behind by a comet. During these times, the number of visible meteors increases dramatically, creating a spectacular display of streaks crisscrossing the heavens. Observing meteor showers can be a thrilling experience, as the sky comes alive with streaks of light dancing across the darkness. In addition to their visual appeal, meteor streaks serve a scientific purpose as well. By studying the characteristics of these streaks, astronomers can gather valuable information about the composition and behavior of meteoroids, shedding light on the mysteries of our cosmic neighborhood. Whether they are streaking silently overhead or lighting up the night sky in a dazzling display, meteors continue to captivate and inspire us with their beauty and wonder.
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