Watch: Fireball Lights Up Japanese Night Sky
A breathtaking fireball lit up the night sky over southern Japan on Tuesday, and live cameras captured the spectacle. The white fireball was visible across parts of Kyushu and Shikoku shortly after 11 pm local time (15:00 BST), leaving experts to speculate that it was the result of burning dust or asteroid fragments in the atmosphere.
Experts Weigh In
According to local media, experts believe the fireball was the result of burning dust or asteroid fragments in the atmosphere. This theory is largely consistent with the events of other fireball sightings in recent years.
The Science Behind Fireballs
Fireballs, also known as meteoroids, are small celestial bodies in space that glow brightly as they traverse through Earth's atmosphere. Consisting of rock or dust, they can vary in size from a few millimeters to several meters. Typically, fireballs result from collisions with other asteroids or the decay of larger objects.
These objects enter Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, causing friction and generating heat. This intense heat leads to a bright glow or sometimes even an explosion.
Frequency of Fireball Sightings
Although fireballs are relatively common, they typically occur over oceans or unpopulated areas, making them less noticeable. Fortunately, with the advancement of technology and increased exposure of remote cameras, more fireballs are being captured, granting us fascinating insights into these celestial phenomena.
