Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Bright Celestial Object Streaks Across Mexican Skies, Sparking Social Media Buzz
MEXICO CITY – A luminous object, first thought to be a meteorite, illuminated the night sky over Mexico’s capital and surrounding regions around 3:00 a.m. Wednesday. The spectacular light show was visible across expansive plains, towering volcanoes, and small towns, captivating residents throughout the region. This celestial event, described as a fireball meteor, triggered widespread fascination and quickly became a trending topic on social media platforms.
Meteor Sighting in Mexico City Ignites Online Frenzy
Videos capturing the bolide racing across the Latin American nation and exploding in a flash of light above Mexico City inspired awe and amusement alike. The dramatic display swiftly transitioned into internet memes that rapidly circulated online.
One social media user humorously posted on X, “No, the meteor that detonated last night is not a valid reason to contact your ex,” accompanied by a GIF depicting dinosaurs amidst a meteor shower.
Soon after, altered images of the apparent meteor, incorporating cartoon figures and political satire, proliferated across the internet, demonstrating the public’s quick embrace of the event into popular culture.
Bolide Identified, Not a Meteorite
However, experts in Mexico clarified that the object soaring through the heavens was not a meteorite, but rather a bolide.
Understanding Bolides
According to NASA, bolides, also known as fireballs, are defined as “exceptionally bright meteors that are magnificent enough to be observed across a very large area.” These space phenomena are more visually striking than typical meteors.
Dr. Mario Rodríguez, a space science specialist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, suggested it could also be classified as a meteoroid, or a fragment originating from a meteor.
Atmospheric Disintegration
Bolides, like the one witnessed over Mexican skies on Wednesday morning, ignite as they plummet towards Earth, entering the atmosphere at high speed.
Dr. Rodríguez, part of a team of scientists analyzing videos of the spectacle that captivated many Mexicans, explained, “Due to immense pressure acting upon the object, they begin to ignite with an extended trail and emit light.” He further noted that unlike meteorites, which survive impact and reach the Earth’s surface, a bolide completely disintegrates within the atmosphere.
No Public Threat
He indicated that this particular meteoroid measured approximately five feet in diameter and posed no hazard to the population. The celestial body‘s harmless disintegration in the upper atmosphere ensured public safety during this captivating natural display.