What is a meteor?

A meteor refers specifically to the phenomenon that occurs when a meteoroid—a small piece of space debris—enters the Earth's atmosphere and heats up due to friction with the air, creating a visible streak of light across the sky. This brief flash is what we commonly refer to as a "shooting star." The intense heat causes the meteoroid to glow brightly, resulting in the striking visual effect that can be seen from the ground.

Recognizing the characteristics of a meteor emphasizes its association with both space and atmospheric interaction, which differentiates it from simply being described as a small blue light or a large rock in space. Understanding that a meteor is linked to the process of atmospheric entry sheds light on why the other choices do not accurately define what a meteor is.