In a dazzling display that captivated skygazers across the Northeastern United States, a brilliant fireball streaked across the Ohio skies on October 5, 2024, at around 11:42 EST.
The stunning fireball lit up the sky and sparked a wave of excitement, with hundreds of people rushing to share their sightings. Reports poured into the American Meteor Society from across multiple states and even Ontario, with witnesses in Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond describing the breathtaking display.
Nearly 300 other people reported the fireball, according to the society’s website. One report from Ohio just before midnight described a green flash that turned to red, burning out with flying sparks.
Several meteor showers could be responsible for the most recent fireball.
According to the American Meteor Society, here are some potential sources of meteoric activity this week:
- Draconids (DRA): Best seen on the evening of October 8. These slow-moving meteors come from the Draco constellation and are best viewed in the northern hemisphere.
- Southern Taurids (STA): Active from late September to late November, with a peak around October 14. These medium-slow meteors come from debris from Comet 2P/Encke and are visible in both hemispheres.
- Andromedids (SAN): Active for a short period around October 9, these slow meteors come from the Andromeda constellation, though sightings are expected to be rare.
- Xi Eridanids (XIE): Peaking on October 11, these medium-fast meteors are visible in the early morning and come from the Eridanus constellation.
- Orionids (ORI): Active until November, these swift meteors are best seen near dawn. They peak on October 22 and are visible from the Orion constellation.
Witnesses from different locations provided vivid descriptions of the fireball:
Clairesa from Waterford, OH, explained, “It was a bright white/light blue ball with darker blue around the ball moving very fast from the top of the sky towards the ground. It lasted about 5 to 10 seconds. Towards the end it turned dark reddish orange and faded out with a tail that looked like a sparkler effect of the same or slightly darker shade of reddish orange.”
Tyler from Bellevue, OH, shared, “The initial flash as it flew over me, lit up the sky with bright day time light, white, and it dissolved into nothing in 3-5 secs.”
Shannon from Mount Sterling, OH, stated, “It reminded me of when a light bulb blows. It surged in light and looked almost as if it exploded and the. everything went dark. It was very low in the sky. I almost expected to hear it hitting the ground, but never did.”
The American Meteor Society will review all of the reports submitted regarding the event and announce more specific information about whether or not the fireball was in fact a meteor. For more info, or to submit a report if you also witnessed the fireball, please visit amsmeteors.org.
Featured image from 2009 Leonid Meteor shower, photo by Ed Sweeney (CC-BY-2.0).