Importance Score: 45 / 100 π΅
Perth, Australia β A brilliant green light that dominated the pre-dawn sky over Western Australia was confirmed by astronomy authorities as a significant meteor event. The celestial display captivated observers and ignited social media with vibrant depictions of the phenomenon.
Spectacular Meteor Lights Up Western Australian Sky
Witnesses across a wide area, stretching from Perth to the Goldfields region, reported observing an intense light sharply traversing the sky at approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday. Many were able to capture striking images and videos of the fiery spectacle, showcasing the meteor’s vivid green and orange hues.
Experts Confirm “One Hell of a Meteor”
Matthew Woods of the Perth Observatory described the event to 9News as “one hell of a meteor,” estimating its size to be between that of a cricket ball and a basketball. He added a light-hearted remark, calling it a “nice little surprise for Mother’s Day.”
Composition and Color
Woods speculated that the meteor was largely composed of iron, which ignited upon entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. This combustion process is what gave rise to the meteor’s distinctive and visually appealing green and orange illumination, according to Woods’ statement to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Ongoing Investigation for Meteorite Fragments
Authorities are currently engaged in efforts to ascertain if any fragments of the meteor survived atmospheric entry and landed in the remote outback areas. The search for these meteorite remnants is underway.