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Millions of people stunned after spotting spectacular fireball lit up the sky

News - May 20, 2024
Millions of people stunned after spotting spectacular fireball lit up the sky

A stunning event recently happened in Spain and Portugal that amazed millions of people. The night sky was lit up by a bright blue-green fireball, captivating everyone who witnessed it.

The stunning event captivated onlookers as a meteor streaked across the atmosphere, creating a brilliant blue-green glow that lasted approximately seven seconds. 

Astonishing event in Spain and Portugal as a bright blue-green fireball lights up the night sky. Image Credit: X
Astonishing event in Spain and Portugal as a bright blue-green fireball lights up the night sky. Image Credit: X

Millions of people were stunned after spotting a spectacular fireball lit up the sky

The celestial object, believed to be a fragment of a comet, traveled at an astonishing speed of 1,700 mph.

The European Space Agency confirmed that the meteor appeared to have broken off from a comet and entered Earth's atmosphere at an altitude of around 35 miles.

At an incredible speed of 1,700 mph, a suspected comet fragment amazed observers in Spain and Portugal. Image Credit: X
At an incredible speed of 1,700 mph, a suspected comet fragment amazed observers in Spain and Portugal. Image Credit: X

The mesmerizing display of vibrant neon blue light against the backdrop of the night sky left spectators amazed.

Many reports about the meteor sighting came in, and authorities were informed about an object falling from the sky in Viseu, central Portugal.

However, despite searching, no place where it crashed or clear evidence of its impact could be discovered. This happened around 200 miles north of Lisbon, which is the capital of Portugal.

The European Space Agency confirmed the meteor originated from a comet and entered Earth's atmosphere at a 35-mile altitude. Image Credit: X
The European Space Agency confirmed the meteor originated from a comet and entered Earth's atmosphere at a 35-mile altitude. Image Credit: X

Videos capturing the intriguing event emerged on social media, capturing numerous online users.

One footage recorded from a driver's dash-cam showed a clear and continuous view of the bright blue light moving rapidly across the sky.

There was another video where a woman stopped walking because the blue light made everything around her glow. She looked amazed as she stared at it. 

Despite extensive search efforts, no crash site or conclusive evidence of impact was found for the meteor near Lisbon. Image Credit: X
Despite extensive search efforts, no crash site or conclusive evidence of impact was found for the meteor near Lisbon. Image Credit: X

There was also a different video showing a group of people watching the meteor go by.

Astronomer Josep María Trigo shared insights into the meteor, estimating its diameter to be between 8 and 12 inches.

Portugal's Civil Protection Agency initially reported a "meteorite fall" in the Castro Daire area, but the statement was later retracted.

The European Space Agency stated that it was unlikely for any fragments of the meteor to reach the Earth's surface.

The mesmerizing display of vibrant neon blue light against the backdrop of the night sky left spectators amazed. Image Credit: X
The mesmerizing display of vibrant neon blue light against the backdrop of the night sky left spectators amazed. Image Credit: X

Meteors, when they enter Earth's atmosphere, can build up significant speed and begin to burn up, resulting in a fiery display known as a fireball.

On the other, meteorites are fragments of space rocks that survive atmospheric entry and can potentially hit the Earth's surface.

Most meteorites originate from asteroids in the asteroid belt, while some are remnants of comets.

Meteors create fireballs as they burn up in the atmosphere, while meteorites are fragments that survive and impact the Earth's surface. Image Credit: Getty
Meteors create fireballs as they burn up in the atmosphere, while meteorites are fragments that survive and impact the Earth's surface. Image Credit: Getty

Previously, a resident was left stunned after capturing a mysterious sight in the sky. 

A video recording caught the attention of viewers, showing a mysterious light streaking across the sky left residents in awe. 

The phenomenon was widely shared on social media, sparking discussions and speculation. 

Some viewers suggested it could be a UFO, while others speculated about rockets or even signs from a higher power.

Experts identified the mysterious sight as SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Image Credit: Youtube.
Experts identified the mysterious sight as SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Image Credit: Youtube.

Experts later identified the mysterious sight as the SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch, originating from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Two possible explanations were offered: the second-stage burn of the rocket's engine or the reflective effect of the Starlink satellite constellation.