Fireball streaked across New Jersey sky Friday evening, observers say
(NASA file photo)
If you saw a bright object race across sky around 9:30 p.m. Friday, you’re not alone.
Some took to the internet to post reports about a fireball passing overhead.
“Anyone see that huge green fireball shooting just now towards the northwest?” inquired JSHN contributor Robert Raia at 9:31 p.m. Friday. “It was awesome looking.”
A fireball is another term for a very bright meteor, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS).
Eyewitness reports from across the region also appeared on the AMS website.
The reports indicate that the fireball originated above the New Jersey area, streaking toward New England.
AMS says “several thousand” fireballs occur each day, but they are rarely seen.
“The vast majority of these, however, occur over the oceans and uninhabited regions, and a good many are masked by daylight. Those that occur at night also stand little chance of being detected due to the relatively low numbers of persons out to notice them,” a fireball FAQ from AMS notes.
There was no official confirmation from NASA.
Read more about fireballs here.
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