What do you call a rock that enters Earth’s atmosphere?

When a rock enters Earth’s atmosphere, it is referred to as a meteor. This term specifically applies to the bright streak of light that occurs when a meteoroid – which is a small rock or particle from space – burns up upon entering the atmosphere due to friction with the air. The intense heat generated during this rapid entry causes the meteoroid to glow and create the visual phenomenon commonly known as a "shooting star."

In contrast, an asteroid is a larger rock that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. A comet, on the other hand, is an icy body that releases gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a tail as it approaches the Sun. Planetesimals are solid objects believed to be the building blocks of planets, forming during the early stages of planet formation. Understanding these distinct definitions helps clarify why the correct term for a rock entering the atmosphere is meteor.