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What Is Meteor Rain?

Typically, "meteor rain" refers to a meteor shower. People also call meteor showers "falling stars" or "shooting stars." Meteor showers occur when the atmosphere receives an increase in meteors. During this time, you can watch the "rain" of meteors to the earth.
  1. Meteor Formation

    • Meteors form as comets travel around the sun, and icy, sandy debris follows in the comet's orbit. When Earth passes through the comet's orbit, you can view meteor showers. Meteors look as if they fall from a certain place in the sky or from particular constellations.

    Occurrence of Meteors

    • Meteors rain on Earth as our planet orbits the sun. Meteor showers range from a few per hour to one or more per minute.

    Best Places to View

    • The ideal location to view meteor showers or to watch meteors "rain" on Earth is a place without bright lights, away from a city. Local, state, or national parks work well. The location you select should be free from oncoming lights from vehicles. When you have selected a location, position yourself where you can see the horizon at the rim of your peripheral vision.

    Watching Meteors Showers

    • To watch meteor showers, plan to take comfortable chairs, snacks, beverages and blankets. Take a red-filtered flashlight so you can read maps and charts without damaging your night vision.

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