What causes a shooting star?

A shooting star is not a star at all but a meteoroid entering Earth’s atmosphere. As it travels at high speeds, friction with atmospheric gases causes it to heat up and glow, creating a streak of light. Most meteoroids burn up completely before reaching the ground, but larger ones may survive as meteorites. Shooting stars are often visible during meteor showers, which occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets. These celestial events are both spectacular and a reminder of the dynamic nature of our Solar System.