Here's how it works:

* Friction: As meteors enter the atmosphere at high speeds, they experience intense friction with the air molecules. This friction generates heat, causing the meteor to heat up and often glow brightly.

* Ablation: The heat from friction causes the meteor to melt and vaporize, breaking it down into smaller pieces.

* Burn Up: Most meteors are completely vaporized before they reach the Earth's surface, leaving behind only a trail of light and dust.

While the atmosphere is our primary defense against meteors, it's not foolproof. Larger meteors can penetrate the atmosphere and impact the Earth's surface.