Meteors are small pieces of rock or metal that enter the Earth's atmosphere from space. When they travel at high speeds, they create a bright streak of light as they burn up due to friction with the air. This glowing phenomenon is often referred to as a "shooting star." If a meteor survives its journey through the atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite. Meteors can vary in size, from tiny grains to larger objects, and they are often associated with meteor showers, which occur when Earth passes through the debris left by comets.