A 2010 Orionid meteor, seen over Western Ontario, Canada. A waxing gibbous moon shines brightly at the left side of the image. CREDIT: NASA courtesy of Meteor Physics Group, University of Western Ontario View full size image

Meteor showers occur when the Earth’s orbit takes it through the path of a comet, which spews debris as it passes, like junk falling out of the back of a poorly-secured garbage truck. Bits of debris plunge through the Earth’s atmosphere, and friction causes the debris to burn up, creating meteors.

2011 meteor showers.
CREDIT: RASC Observer’s Handbook 2011 and International Meteor Organization

to read more, go to:    http://www.space.com/11541-2011-meteor-showers-skywatching-guide.html