Pittsburgh (Kedica / AP) – Did you see it?
Early Wednesday morning, many social media users in Pittsburgh and down the East Coast say they saw a bright flash of light and a streak of light in the sky.
A truck driving with an I-76 in Pennsylvania was able to capture video of the flash from their explosion.
The American Meteor Society, a nonprofit group, said it had received more than 200 reports of bright fireballs in eastern Ohio. The Society’s official, Robert Lansford, said the fireball was probably not a random meteor associated with a known meteor shower.
Lunsford said that to create a flash as bright as a full moon, it takes only the size of a softbun of an object. Lunsford said the budget was probably a bit large, but more analysis would be needed to determine its size.
I am seeing reports of fireballs illuminating the sky around 6:25 in the morning. Lure Ren Borel was going for a walk with her dog and snapped these photos with her. If you have any photos you would like to share send them a chime in: https://t.co/7N4kouxkd9 pic.twitter.com/FYIkvojhMX
– Jeff Ocheslin (@JFWTOV9) September 30, 2020
KDK spoke to a science writer who explained that a fireball is probably a meteor falling to Earth. While meteors are not uncommon, this is not often the case.
“We actually saw an extraordinary meteorite, when a piece of debris from outer space, either a rock or a metal, survived the atmosphere,” said science writer Ralph Crewe.
The crew says the meteor’s speed is what causes it to heat up so quickly, and it’s hard to be able to see large fireballs like this.
“They really happen very often but not usually in more populated areas. Most of the earth is an ocean, so we’re lucky to see someone like this, “he told KDKA’s Lisa Washington.
Getting reports of a bright shooting star around 6:25 in the morning!
If confirmed, this meteorite could be a rare firebell with colored blue or red tails.Picture of the American Meteor Society a F. Fireb from Lan. (Report here: https://t.co/Na1PaSNI6y)
Anyone see this? pic.twitter.com/u7syzy0INj
– Chris Vickers (@KrisWTOL) September 30, 2020
The American Meteorological Society said initial reports showed that the fireball went from southeast to northwest and ended its flight somewhere north of Benton, Ohio – about 77 miles from Pittsburgh.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh said it was aware of the reports but had no information.
Officials at the University of Pittsburgh University of Allegheny Observatory did not immediately comment.
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