From the June 2010 issue

I saw a shooting star tonight; as it burnt up in the atmosphere, it became a brilliant green. I have seen only yellow and white ones before. What causes the green color? Or could I have seen space junk burn up?

Matt Pearson, Mildura, Australia
By | Published: June 28, 2010 | Last updated on May 18, 2023

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Meteor color is determined by the composition of the meteoroid and atmospheric interactions.
  • Green meteors are uncommon occurrences.
  • The presence of magnesium within a meteoroid contributes to the green coloration of its light emission.
  • The light emitted from both the meteoroid and atmospheric components influences the observed meteor color.
Key takeaways sponsored by The Space Store
August 2010 green meteor
A green meteor is a rare sight. This November 1998 Leonid meteor gets its color from a combination of effects, including magnesium in the meteroid’s composition.
Rick Schmidt

The colors of meteors or fireballs are due to the light emitted from the atoms that make up a meteoroid, as well as the atoms and molecules in the air. Seeing a green meteor indicates magnesium composition.

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