Spectacular Fireball Streaks Over Melbourne, Captured by Astronomers
Recently, Melbourne skywatchers were treated to a spectacular fireball that streaked across the sky. According to astronomers, the fireball was spotted shortly after midnight on August 17th and was seen as far away as the Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland. Images of the fireball were captured by cameras in the Astronomical Society of Victoria’s network of all-sky cameras.
The fireball, which was larger than the full Moon, lit up the sky for several seconds and left a persistent train of smoke which lingered for several minutes. The event was so bright that it was visible even in the city’s light polluted skies.
Astronomers are excited to be able to study this rare event and are asking for help from witnesses in the form of photos, videos, and reports of where the fireball was seen.
source: Phys.org