The common name for a meteor shower is a "meteor shower." Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the debris left by a comet or asteroid as it orbits the Sun. During these events, numerous meteors can be seen streaking across the sky, often referred to as "shooting stars." Notable meteor showers include the Perseids, which occur in August, and the Geminids, which peak in December. The number and visibility can vary based on factors such as moonlight and atmospheric conditions, making some meteor showers more spectacular than others.