i saw a shooting star last night. your theory on what they really are

this was definitely not a rock from space.
it was moving at a slower constant speed, perfectly
parallel with the ground and only about a 500 yards above the ground. just above the lower clouds.
the last two i saw were just above the houses in my neighborhood and one did a quick zigzag before dis appearing. anyway i'm pretty sure the ones right above the houses are peoples spirits who have left the body during sleep returning.
the one last night i'm not to sure.
what are your theories, i'd like to know what they really are.