Meteor Orbits: Brief Encounters with Earth's Atmosphere

Perihelion is the point in a meteor's orbit where it is closest to the Sun.

Meteors typically enter Earth's atmosphere at speeds ranging from 20 to 30 kilometers per second.

Friction with air molecules is the primary cause of a meteor's incandescence as it streaks through the atmosphere.

The Orionids meteor shower is associated with the constellation Orion.

A meteor that survives its passage through the atmosphere and impacts the Earth's surface is called a meteorite.

The Leonids meteor shower is known for its association with the constellation Leo.

The approximate mass of a typical meteor is 1 gram.

The Hoba meteorite is the largest known meteorite to have impacted Earth.

The Geminids meteor shower is associated with the constellation Gemini.

Aphelion is the point in a meteor's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun.

The typical duration of a meteor shower is 1-2 weeks.

The Perseids meteor shower is known for its association with the constellation Perseus.

Meteor trail is the term used to describe the path of a meteor through the Earth's atmosphere.

Approximately 100,000 meteors enter Earth's atmosphere each day.

The Taurids meteor shower is associated with the constellation Taurus.