meteor shower

American  

Also meteoric shower

noun

Astronomy.

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

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meteor shower British  

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 )

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meteor shower Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of meteor shower

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

There is also a partial lunar eclipse, three supermoons, a blue Moon, a February planet alignment plus an array of meteor showers to enjoy.

From BBC

The Geminid meteor shower - one of the most spectacular in the celestial calendar - is set to peak this weekend and astronomers say conditions could make for an especially striking show if weather permits.

From BBC

From a planetary conjunction to the astronomical start of winter to some of 2025's most prolific meteor showers.

From BBC

The Royal Astronomical Society said it would be closest to the sun on Tuesday and coincided with the annual Orionid meteor shower, which is likely to be visible until 7 November.

From BBC

Each fall, the Taurid meteor shower brightens the night sky from late October through early November.

From Science Daily