Why Meteors Appear In Different Colors To Those Of Us On Earth And The Meanings Of The Different Colors

Who doesn’t love meteor showers? Why do meteors appear different in the skies above? Let’s explore meteors and their different colors.

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One of the coolest astronomical events of the year is meteor showers. This is particularly true when they are shooting by at an impressive rate and shining in different colors. Why do they appear to shine in different colors than others?

Colors of Meteors

Meteors, or shooting stars, produce various colors as they pass through our atmosphere. The different colors are the result of a combination of factors. Things like the composition of the meteoroid and the chemical reactions as they enter the atmosphere determine the color they appear to the naked eye.

1. Yellow and White: Most meteors initially appear yellow or white. These colors indicate the presence of iron and magnesium in the meteoroid. As the meteoroid enters the atmosphere, it encounters high temperatures due to friction with the air. This heat causes these metallic elements to emit yellow or white light.
2. Green: Green meteors are quite common and occur when the meteoroid contains nickel. The green color arises from the excitation and subsequent emission of light from the…