Introduction

This week, North America was treated to a breathtaking display as a brilliant fireball streaked across the sky, lighting up the dawn over the U.S. Midwest and southern Canada. Unlike previous instances caused by man-made objects, this celestial phenomenon originated from the depths of space.

The Incident

On November 13, at precisely 6:31 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (8:31 a.m. EST or 1331 GMT), the meteor made its fiery entrance. Witnesses from Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, as well as residents in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, and North Dakota, reported seeing a dazzling green streak of light illuminating the early morning sky. The event was so striking that many captured it on doorbell cameras, smartphones, and dash cams, showcasing the meteor's vivid colors and awe-inspiring flash, which lasted just a few seconds.

A Similar Spectacle

Adding to the excitement, a similar spectacle occurred earlier in the week on November 9, when a Starlink satellite descended back to Earth. That event, while also entertaining, was an entirely different spectacle compared to the natural fireball witnessed later.

Eyewitness Accounts

According to the American Meteor Society (AMS) and multiple eyewitness accounts, this recent fireball was particularly remarkable. Dave R. from Alberta expressed his astonishment, stating, "This was among the most spectacular I've seen, with a bright green streak followed by a flash. It was gone in seconds, but unforgettable!"

In Montana, Kaitlynn D. shared her experience, uniquely observing how the illumination from the fireball transformed her surroundings as if it were daytime. Meanwhile, Emily G. from Clancy remarked that this fireball was "the brightest and longest meteor" she had ever encountered up close.

NASA’s Involvement

The event was so significant that even NASA’s satellites were witnesses. Two GOES weather satellites managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded the remarkable moment as the meteor met its fiery end upon entering Earth's atmosphere. The GOES-18 satellite utilized its lightning detection equipment while another, GOES-16, recorded the flash with its own bright light sensor, showcasing how even the most brilliant meteors can be detected from space.

Conclusion

These meteors, identifiable as meteoroids while they navigate the cosmos, usually break apart as they enter our planet's atmosphere at staggering speeds, often originating from space dust left by asteroids or comets. The intense friction and heat generated by their descent vaporize most meteors, resulting in the stunning light trails we marvel at from below.

This spectacular fireball serves as a reminder of the universe's wonders and the incredible phenomena that occasionally grace our skies. So, grab your camera and stay on the lookout—who knows what other celestial wonders might be waiting in the cosmos!