A small piece of rock or metal enters Earth’s atmosphere at enormous speed - often tens of kilometres per second. The air in front of it is rapidly compressed and heated, the particle breaks apart and a glowing trail appears around it.
While the object travels through space, it is called a meteoroid. The bright phenomenon in the atmosphere is a meteor. If some of the material survives the journey and reaches Earth’s surface, it becomes a meteorite.
Most ordinary meteors are produced by very small particles, sometimes no larger than a grain of sand. But their speed is enough for such a tiny object to stage a visible celestial performance.
During meteor showers, Earth passes through a trail of dust left behind by a comet. Many more bright streaks may then be seen in an hour, appearing to radiate from one area of the sky.
Science does not require us to make a wish on a shooting star. But it does not forbid it either - we certainly have one second for hope.
The stars speak. You decide.