meteor shower

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the profusion of meteors observed when the earth passes through a meteor swarm.

meteor shower

noun

1. a transient rain of meteors, such as the Perseids, occurring at regular intervals and coming from a particular region in the sky. It is caused by the earth passing through a large number of meteoroids (a meteor swarm )

meteor shower

1. A brief period of heightened meteor activity, often occurring regularly in a particular part of the sky at a particular time of year. Meteor showers are generally named after the constellation in which they appear to originate; thus the Perseids appear to originate in the constellation Perseus and the Leonids in the constellation Leo. The showers occur when the Earth passes through a region having a greater than usual concentration of interplanetary debris, such as particles left by a disintegrating comet, at certain points in its orbit. Although the meteors enter the Earth's atmosphere on parallel trajectories, perspective makes it appear as if they originate from the same point in the sky, known as the radiant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of meteor shower¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Look to the skies late on Sunday night into early Monday morning and you may well see some shooting stars as the Leonid meteor shower peaks.

From BBC

Arctic air also tends to be cleaner so with some clear skies on Sunday night, there could be a good chance of seeing the Leonid meteor shower.

From BBC

Every year, the iconic meteor shower offers a spectacular show… and experts say this weekend is going to be particularly special.

From Salon

Sky watchers are looking forward to the next meteor shower, the Northern Taurids, which are set to peak on 11-12 November.

From BBC

The Orionids meteor shower will peak on Monday night into Tuesday with the best viewing conditions between midnight and dawn.

From BBC