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Technically, by the time it becomes a "falling star", it is no longer a space object.

A space rock floating in space is called a "meteoroid". When it falls into the Earth's atmosphere, the object's speed through the air causes friction and pressure, and both of these cause intense heating. The space rock will heat to incandescence, and the streak of light caused by the glowing object is called a "meteor". This is the phenomenon that we sometimes call a "falling star".

If the rock survives and actually hits the Earth, the rock or its fragments are called "meteorites".

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Related Questions

Another name for meteor?

A "shooting star" or a "falling star".


Another word for meteor that starts with f?

Falling Star


Is a falling star a meteor or meteorite?

A falling star is a meteor. A meteorite is a meteor that has hit the ground.


What is the other name of meteor?

A meteor is often called a 'shooting star' or 'falling star', after its appearance as a momentary streak of light in the night sky.


A common name for a meteor?

"Meteor". The terms "falling star" or "shooting star" were once fairly common, but these have been less used in the last few decades.


What is the correct term for a shooting star?

A meteor. If any of it survives the fall through the atmosphere and makes it to Earth, that part is a meteorite.


Is meteor another name for shooting star?

Shooting stars are actually objects burning in the Earth's atmosphere. The name "shooting star" originates from ancient times (before advanced scientific investigation) when these burning meteors were though to actually be stars shooting across the night sky. Those that survive and crash onto the Earth's surface are then called meteorites.


Why is a shootig star an inaccurate name of a meteor?

A meteor isn't really a star.


Are there falling stars?

There are no "falling stars". The phenomena we call a "falling star" is actually a meteor burning up as it enters the Earth's atmosphere.


What is a brief visible streak of a meteoroid?

A meteor, sometimes incorrectly called a shooting star or falling star.


What is the path of light coming from a meteoroid called?

It's called a 'meteor', 'shooting star', 'falling star', etc.


How the falling star fall?

A falling star or meteor is a fragment of rock in orbit round the Sun, which happens to be intercepted by the Earth's atmosphere. At some point the Earth's gravity takes over and captures the meteor, and the meteor falls at high speed. Most meteors burn out before reaching the ground.