• Question: I don't think shooting stars are real how has it been proven

    Asked by JHH to Peter on 15 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: Peter Boorman

      Peter Boorman answered on 15 Nov 2016:

      Hi JHH,

      Shooting stars are actually caused by the Earth moving into the path of dust grains. As the Earth orbits the Sun, it’s path continuously collides with various stuff in space, including dust grains, and as these dust grains collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, the friction of the grain with the atmosphere makes them glow in the characteristic shooting star we see in the sky!

      Have you ever seen a shooting star? I’ve only seen one once (so far!), from an airplane window!

      Peter

Comments