The concept describes a sudden, dramatic, and often destructive event originating from atmospheric or celestial sources. This can manifest as a meteorological phenomenon involving intense heat and light descending rapidly, or an object entering the Earth’s atmosphere and generating a visible, fiery trail. A natural disaster like a meteor strike serves as a stark example.
These occurrences have held significant cultural and historical weight, often interpreted as omens, divine interventions, or simply awe-inspiring displays of natural power. Understanding the causes and potential consequences of such events is crucial for risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and advancing scientific knowledge about the Earth’s environment and the cosmos. Historically, the lack of understanding led to fear and superstition; contemporary science allows for a more rational approach.
