Incredibly Bright Meteor Fireball Wows North America (Caught on Camera from Space!)

On 13 November, early risers across North America were treated to a dazzling celestial phenomenon. At approximately 6:34 a.m. MST (1:34 p.m. GMT), a brilliant fireball streaked across the morning sky, coinciding with the peak of the Northern Taurid meteor shower. 

A Fireball Across Countries

The meteor appeared to travel southeast and was visible across a vast region, including Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, as well as several U.S. states: Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, and North Dakota. The widespread visibility of the event was confirmed by 170 witness reports submitted to the American Meteor Society (AMS).

Witnesses described the fireball as a vibrant green streak that lit up the dawn sky for a few seconds before fading. Numerous doorbell cameras, dash cams, and smartphones captured footage of the meteor.

Space View

Yes, the meteor was even observed from space. Two GOES weather satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) captured the moment the meteor burned up in Earth’s atmosphere. The GOES-18 spacecraft, in particular, detected the meteor using an instrument designed to identify lightning strikes, highlighting the intensity of the fireball’s flash.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the only fireball to grace North American skies recently. On 9 November, another bright streak was spotted over North America. Unlike the naturally occurring meteor of 13 November, the earlier event was confirmed to be a Starlink satellite reentering Earth’s atmosphere and burning up upon reentry.

What Did We Actually See?

The Northern Taurids, active from late October to early December, are debris from asteroid 2004 TG10 and potentially other related celestial objects. Known for producing slow-moving, bright meteors, they are a favorite among skywatchers. The Taurids’ reputation for fireballs – exceptionally bright meteors – makes them one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year.

The peak of this shower typically produces about five meteors per hour, but these meteors are often more vivid and longer-lasting than those of other showers. Their slow speed as they enter Earth’s atmosphere enhances their visibility.

What’s Next?

As we move further into November, the night sky has more wonders to offer. The Leonid meteor shower, peaking later this month, is set to follow the Taurids. Additionally, another meteor shower awaits skywatchers toward the end of November. For a complete guide to upcoming astronomical events, be sure to check out the full list here.