Introduction:
Shooting stars are often seen as an amazing and exciting event that catch the attention of everyone who witnesses them. Each year, thousands of shooting stars light up the night sky and bring a feeling of wonderment to those who bear witness to the incredible sight. What makes them so special and interesting? In this article, we’ll be discussing fifteen interesting facts about shooting stars that you may have never heard before.
Fact 1: Shooting Stars are not actually stars.
The term “shooting star” may be a misnomer, as what we are really seeing in the night sky is not a star, but a meteor. A meteor is a small piece of rock or debris from an asteroid or comet that enters and burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere. The burning of the meteor is what gives the illusion of a star moving through the sky.
Fact 2: Meteors are not the only thing that seers in the night sky.
Although what we typically refer to as shooting stars are really meteors, there are actually many other things can be seen shooting through the night sky. Other objects such as asteroids, comets, and even pieces of artificial satellites can also be seen streaking through the sky in what we call shooting stars.
Fact 3: Meteors can appear at any time.
While it is more likely to spot a shooting star during the night in the summer months, it is still possible to spot shooting stars randomly at any time of the year or night. Although, it is important to note that meteor showers are more likely to happen in the summer months when the Earth’s trajectory is close to meteoroids and cometary debris.
Fact 4: Most meteors don’t make it to the surface.
Most of the time, when shooting stars are visible, the meteor will not actually make it to the Earth’s surface. The majority of meteors that enter the Earth’s atmosphere will burn up high in the air before they reach the ground.
Fact 5: Pedersen Fireball was the brightest shooting star seen in recent history.
In 2019, the Pedersen Fireball was seen streaking through the sky and was the brightest shooting star ever seen on record. It was visible over much of the United States and Canada and burned up with an incredible amount of brightness and speed.
Fact 6: Some meteorites are magnetic.
It is possible for meteorites to be magnetic and this comes down to what elements are contained in the meteorite. Iron is a common element found in meteorites, and it is this element that gives the meteorites their magnetic properties.
Fact 7: Some shooting stars have spoken names.
Although they don’t have official names like planets or stars, some shooting stars have been spoken names. The Kappa Cygnids, Phi Cassiopeiae, and Eta Aquarids are just a few examples of meteors that have been given spoken names over the years.
Fact 8: Meteors can be seen without a telescope.
Many people think that a telescope is necessary to spot shooting stars, but this is not the case. As long as you’re in an area with little light pollution and the sky is clear, then you should be able to catch a glimpse of a shooting star without the need for a telescope.
Fact 9: Meteors are visible all over the world.
Shooting stars can be seen all over the world at various times of the year. The most common times to spot them are during a meteor shower, when many meteors can be seen in a smaller area at once, or randomly at any time of the year.
Fact 10: Some shooting stars are caused by man made objects.
Called “sparks,” these shooting stars are caused by man made objects burning up in the atmosphere, such as broken off pieces of an artificial satellite. These sparks can often be seen in low orbiting satellites and are often a source of amusement or surprise for onlookers.
Fact 11: Meteor Showers have different characteristics.
Due to the differences in the origin of each meteor shower, each shower will have different characteristics. For example, certain meteor showers such as the Hathor Shower will have two or three distinct peaks within the night that bring an increase in the amount of meteors that can be seen.
Fact 12: You can calculate the speed of meteors.
Meteors can move incredibly fast through the sky and can reach speeds of up to 160,000 miles per hour. If you use a calculator, you can determine the speed of the meteor you have spotted in the night sky.
Fact 13: Shooting stars can have different colors.
Each meteor will have a different color depending on the elements that are present in it. Typical colors for meteors are oranges, greens, blues and reds. However, all colors of the rainbow can be seen in certain fortune meteor showers.
Fact 14: All meteors leave a trail.
As meteors move through the night sky, they leave behind a trail of glowing dust which is called ionization. This ionization is a result of the meteor burning up and is one of the causes of the shooting star appearing.
Fact 15: Lyrid Meteor Shower is the oldest documented shower.
The Lyrid Meteor Shower is recognized as being the oldest documented meteor shower in history. This shower is said to have originated around 687 B.C. and is still visible today.
Conclusion
Shooting stars are beautiful and awe-inspiring meteor showers that have been seen across the world for millennia. Although they are ephemeral, they provide us with a truly unique and breathtaking experience. The fifteen facts discussed in this article provide a deeper understanding of this phenomena and will hopefully allow us to appreciate shooting stars even more than before.
