This Saturday night, May 18th, stargazers in Portugal (and portions of Spain) were treated to an unexpected celestial performance when a small meteor lights up sky before burning up in the atmosphere.
The comet initially thought to be a meteor, was visible for a few seconds on Saturday night, some 15 minutes before midnight local time. Witnesses claimed to have seen a dazzling streak of green and blue light in the sky. Many people contacted emergency services, alarmed by the unexpected flash.
Explaining How Meteor Lights Up Sky
The European Space Agency (ESA) swiftly and efficiently investigated the occurrence, providing a quick reassurance to the public that the item was a minor part of a comet, not a meteor. They estimate that the comet fragment in Portugal entered the atmosphere of Earth at a speed of about 45 kilometers per second (101,000 miles per hour). The object burned up completely over the Atlantic Ocean and posed no threat.
The incident drove enthusiasm on social media, with Portuguese and Spanish citizens sharing videos and images of the heavenly display, calling it a “fireball lights up night sky.” Security camera and phone footage show the item speeding across the sky, briefly lighting up the night. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the comet fragment was too tiny to leave any pieces on Earth’s surface. The public can be assured that there is no danger related to this event.
Although unexpected, the celestial performance where a meteor lights up sky is a rare occurrence, serving as a reminder of the unique and privileged position we hold in the universe. The expanse of space holds many surprises, and occasionally a glimpse of that magnificence illuminates our night sky, reminding us of the wonders that exist beyond our globe.
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