Meteor Showers from Comets
Meteor showers from comets occur when Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left behind by a comet as it orbits the Sun. This debris, known as meteoroids, is composed of small particles ranging from a grain of sand to a basketball in size. When these particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they are heated by friction and burn up, producing bright streaks of light, or shooting stars.
Comet-Derived Meteoroids
Comets shed large particles, such as boulders and rocks, as they approach the Sun. These particles are pushed away from the Sun by solar winds and radiation pressure, forming a large “cloud” of debris in the comet’s orbital plane. Over time, smaller particles like dust and sand-sized grains are also ejected, creating a vast trail of meteoroids.
Meteor Showers and Comet Orbits
Meteor showers occur when Earth intersects with these trails of debris, which are aligned with the comet’s orbital path. The frequency and intensity of meteor showers depend on various factors, including:
The size and composition of the comet’s debris trail
The comet’s orbital path and proximity to Earth
The Earth’s position relative to the comet’s debris trail
The presence of gravitational influences, such as Jupiter’s “nudge,” which can enhance meteor rates
Notable Comet-Derived Meteor Showers
Orionid Meteor Shower: This shower is caused by Halley’s Comet and peaks overnight on October 20-21, 2025, with a rate of about 20 meteors per hour.
Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower: Another Halley’s Comet byproduct, this shower peaks around May 5-6 and produces a moderate rate of meteors.
Taurid Meteor Shower: This annual shower, active from November 17 to December 10, is composed of two streams (Southern and Northern Taurids) and produces a relatively modest display.