Meteors can be a variety of colors, and the color is determined by the composition of the meteoroid and the speed at which it enters the atmosphere.

Here's a breakdown of common colors and the elements they're associated with:

* Yellow: Sodium

* Orange: Calcium

* Red: Iron

* Green: Magnesium

* Blue: Nickel or Silicon

* Violet: Manganese

Important Note: The color of a meteor can be influenced by the altitude at which it burns up. Higher altitude meteors tend to show more vibrant colors, while lower altitude meteors often appear white due to the intense heat.

Additionally, the brightness and duration of a meteor can also affect its perceived color. A very bright meteor might appear white even if it's primarily emitting a different color.

So, while you might see a meteor that looks like a fiery red streak, it could also be a combination of other elements, each contributing its own color to the overall display.