Meteor Showers Explained in Pictures: What Is a Shooting Star Actually?

A meteor shower is a spectacular celestial event when multiple “shooting stars” can be seen flashing across the night sky. But what exactly is a “shooting star”? It’s not a star at all, but a tiny piece of space debris burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. With National Meteor Watch Day approaching on June 30, now is the perfect time to learn more about these bright streaks of light. Check this infographic to discover what shooting stars actually are, where they come from, and how to observe and photograph meteors. If you want to get detailed info on the meteor showers of 2026, read our dedicated article. You can also test your meteor-hunting skills by taking our quiz. This infographic is also available on our Instagram account — find it (and our other infographics) via the #infographics_StarWalk hashtag. Follow us on Instagram for more stargazing info!