I WONDER - When Does A Meteor Shower Occur?

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris from comets or asteroids. They are named after nearby constellations or stars. The Perseid meteor shower, originating from Comet Swift Tuttle, is named after the constellation Perseus and is one of the most impressive. The Geminid meteor shower comes from the 3200 Python asteroid and features bright, fast meteors.

What causes meteor showers to occur?

• The moon's gravitational pull

• Planets aligning in the solar system

• Stars colliding in space

• Earth passing through a comet's or asteroid's debris

How are meteor showers typically named?

• After a nearby constellation or star

• After the month they occur

• After the scientist who discovered them

• After the location they are first seen

Which comet is associated with the Perseid meteor shower?

• Comet Halley

• Comet Swift-Tuttle

• Comet Tempel-Tuttle

• Comet Encke

In which month do the Perseids meteor shower occur?

• August

• November

• April

• December

What is the origin of the Geminids meteor shower?

• Asteroid Vesta

• Comet Swift-Tuttle

• 3200 Phaethon asteroid

• Comet Halley