What term refers to a celestial object that burns up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere?

A meteor is the correct term for a celestial object that burns up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere. When a small fragment of a comet or asteroid, typically referred to as a meteoroid, enters the atmosphere at high speeds, friction with the air causes it to heat up and glow, creating a bright streak of light in the sky. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a "shooting star."

While asteroids and comets are celestial bodies that may eventually become meteors when they enter the atmosphere, they do not burn up themselves during re-entry. Instead, they exist in space as larger objects. Satellites, on the other hand, are artificial constructs placed in orbit around Earth and are not related to the natural processes that create meteors. Thus, the term meteor specifically defines the visual and physical occurrence of an object incandescing as it travels through the atmosphere.