The term meteor comes from the Greek meteoron, meaning phenomenon in the sky. It is used to describe the streak of light produced as matter in the solar system falls into Earth's atmosphere creating temporary incandescence resulting from atmospheric friction. Meteoroids A meteoroid is a piece of stony or metallic debris which travels in outer space. Meteoroids, Meteors, Meteorites, and Tektites During clear nights, if the sky is dark enough, you may see needle-like streaks of light cutting across the sky. Meteoroids, Meteors, and Meteorites Meteoroids are small bodies that travel through space.
Meteoroids have many sources.
That's how big and fast lots of meteors are. But there are bigger ones, too. To investigate the formation of craters and the size effects of the meteorite's angle and speed of impact. Before we get started on meteor showers, we will take a minute to explain the difference between a meteor and a meteorite. The difference is whether it makes it to the ground or not.