bolide

A bolide is a large meteor, often referred to as a fireball, especially if it explodes in the atmosphere. These celestial events occur when meteoroids collide with Earth's atmosphere at high velocities.12

Meteors can vary in brightness, sometimes emitting sparks or flares, and may leave a lingering luminous trail. Unusually bright meteors are called fireballs or bolides, with the latter term often used for those that explode. The phenomenon of significantly increased meteor rates is known as a meteor shower.2

The energy released by a meteoroid entering the atmosphere is converted into heat, causing it to vaporize and ionize. This process creates the visible light of the meteor. While most meteoroids are destroyed, some larger ones can survive atmospheric entry and reach the ground as meteorites.2