A spectacular meteor sighting dazzled residents across North America on Wednesday night, as bright flashes ignited the skies above Canada and the U.S. While many looked to the heavens and marveled at the celestial event, security cameras and doorbell systems captured the dramatic spectacle as it unfolded, providing proof of the sky's sudden transformation.
Reports flooded the American Meteor Society with upwards of 170 eyewitness accounts from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. The accounts predominantly came from Alberta and Montana, where the meteor, now known as the "fireball," streaked across the night sky with impressive detail. The glow was so intense it was impossible for observers to miss.
One of the most vivid descriptions came from Shelley Taylor, who witnessed the meteor as she was traveling toward Regina, Saskatchewan. Her account was enthralling, recalling, "I live in Gainesborough, so I was almost to Carievale when all of a sudden, there's this great big green ball of light appeared just over the horizon. It looked like it was falling toward the ground, and as it was falling, the green ball dimmed just a little bit, leaving behind a white streak."
Unbeknownst to her at the time, she was not alone. Numerous observers across the region, including Estevan, Moosomin, and as far as Swift Current, reported similar sightings. Community groups established on Facebook saw members sharing their astonishment, searching for validation of what they saw.
Another local resident confirmed the excitement, stating, "It passed through so fast. I didn’t even have time to grab my phone to take any photos. My first reaction was, 'What the heck is this?!'" Such enthusiasm was echoed throughout social media, sparking conversations around the phenomenon.
Despite the initial speculation surrounding the origins of the strange ball of light, most fellow witnesses quickly dismissed any theories of extraterrestrial visits. It’s good to be rational, right?
According to EarthSky.org, the bright fireball was part of the annual Leonid meteor shower, which is currently active across the northern hemisphere. This year, it's particularly potent as enthusiasts can catch glimpses of remnants from the 55P/Temple-Tuttle comet until early December. Scientific explanations aside, the near-mythical nature of the event has prompted excitement among amateur stargazers.
It’s not just here with us on the continent; security footage isn't just capturing stories with regional flair. The meteor made headlines beyond the local communities, gaining attention from wider media platforms as videos of the event circulated. Such footage has made its way to social media platforms, letting others who might not have had the privilege of viewing it live catch the quick glimpse.
Witnesses from Alberta also had their turn to provide impressive feedback, describing their own experiences of the glowing meteor. Dashcam footage shared online captured clarity as the fireball fell across the scripts of many personal stories inspired by the event. Light pollution was not much of a hindrance for those who were lucky enough to have clear skies as they waited for the show to begin.
This year’s Leonid meteor shower is expected to peak soon, particularly after midnight on November 18. If you're willing to brave the cold, this weekend could offer another opportunity to see the meteor shower, provided the weather cooperates. Experts suggest seeking out darker areas, away from city lights, for the best possible view.
One last thrilling thought for sky watchers: keep those cameras charged and ready! If anyone stumbles upon the light show soaring through the night, be sure to snap some photos and send them to local news stations to help contribute to modern astronomy records. That’s the kind of keepsake one wouldn’t want to miss.
