A spectacular fireball illuminated the night sky across Southern California on Saturday. Eyewitness reports and video captured the moment as the celestial phenomenon streaked overhead.
Details of the Fireball Sighting
The fireball was confirmed by the American Meteor Society as a genuine meteor event. This was not a satellite re-entry or a rocket launch, but a fireball—a type of meteor that shines brighter than any star or planet.
Characteristics of Fireballs
- Fireballs are meteors known for their brightness.
- Unlike regular meteors, fireballs can produce fragments on the ground.
- Fragments from fireballs are referred to as meteorites, though this occurrence is rare.
Mike Gilbert, an ABC7 director, recorded the fireball from Glendale. The American Meteor Society reported receiving more than 30 sightings following the event. It’s important to note that the society generally gets around 100 fireball reports daily from across the globe.
Commonality of Fireballs
Despite their notable brightness, fireballs are fairly common occurrences. However, many individuals only witness a handful of these events in their lifetime. The Southern California fireball serves as a reminder of the spectacular phenomena that can occasionally grace our skies.
