Why do meteors shine in different colors? Kuya Kim answers

A meteor shower is among the astronomical events people wish to witness in their lifetime because of its mesmerizing appearance, which usually shines in different colors.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, for us to better understand why meteors have different colors, it is important to know where they come from.

Meteoroids are chunks of rock or iron that rotate or orbit around the sun. Most of them are pieces of rocks from asteroids that collided with each other.

When a meteoroid enters the atmosphere, it is called a meteor. And when it lands, it is called a meteorite.

When meteoroids enter our atmosphere, they ignite and have a long tail made of fire, which we call shooting stars. The friction in the air heats up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, causing it to ignite and burn.

Meanwhile, the color of the meteor depends on the chemical composition of the space rock and the air through which it passes.

A meteor is yellow if its iron content is high, and it is purple if its calcium content is high, while the green color of a meteor is due to its nickel content.

Recently, residents from different parts of Visayas believed that falling meteors were spotted in the country after bright flashes of light were captured on video recordings.

However, according to Dr. Paul Leonard Atchong Hilario, they did not have the characteristics of a meteor streak.

"Based doon sa image, mukhang hindi siya characteristic of a meteor streak," he said.

"Wala rin tayong namonitor na re-entry na mangyayari malapit sa Pilipinas noong mga panahon na 'yun. May possibility pa rin naman na ito ay debris pero wala sa mga catalogue."

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News