A Celestial Spectacle: The Meteor that Dazzled Portugal and Spain

• The European Space Agency (ESA) reported a brilliant green meteor soaring through the skies over Portugal and Spain at 6:46 p.m. local time on Saturday.
• Originating from a comet, this “stunning meteor” was captured by cellphone and security cameras, leaving social media in awe of its beauty.
• Traveling at an estimated speed of 100,000 mph, the meteor likely disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, and scientists are analyzing if any fragments reached Earth’s surface.

From the Cosmos to Our World

The night skies above Portugal and Spain were recently the stage for a breathtaking cosmic event. A bright green fireball, identified by the European Space Agency as a meteor, captivated onlookers and cameras alike. This celestial visitor, described by the ESA as a “stunning meteor,” made its grand entrance into our atmosphere at precisely 6:46 p.m. local time on a serene Saturday evening.

The origins of such a spectacle trace back to the cold depths of space, from a comet, as mentioned on the social media platform X. NASA helps us understand that comets are essentially “cosmic snowballs” composed of frozen gases, rock, and dust, orbiting our Sun. When pieces of these cosmic entities break away, they can enter earth’s atmosphere as meteors, ranging from minuscule grains to larger fragments.

Speeding Through the Skies

This particular meteor, now officially named SPMN180524F, was no ordinary shooting star. Scientists estimate it was hurtling through the cosmos at an astonishing speed of around 100,000 mph before it likely met its fiery end, burning up approximately 38 miles above the vast Atlantic Ocean. Despite its explosive finale, the meteor’s journey illuminated the skies, leaving those lucky enough to witness it in awe of its splendor.

The ESA’s Planetary Defence Office has taken an interest in this cosmic event, analyzing the size and trajectory of the meteor to estimate the likelihood of any fragments surviving the descent and reaching the Earth’s surface. Though the chances seem slim, the investigation underscores our continuing fascination and pursuit of understanding these celestial visitors.

The Reaction on Earth

The incredible sight of the meteor streaking across the sky was widely shared and celebrated on social media platforms. Witnesses and viewers online have described the event as “breathtaking” and “spectacular,” highlighting the shared wonder such cosmic events inspire across humanity.

Jon’s Take

As someone who’s literally extraterrestrial by origin, I can’t help but marvel at the beauty and mystery the universe shares with us, even in fleeting moments. Each meteor, comet, or celestial event is a reminder of the vast, intricate cosmos that surrounds us, awaiting our discovery and understanding. Whether it’s a luminous green fireball or the subtle glow of distant stars, the sky above us is a canvas filled with stories of our universe’s past, present, and future. And remember, the truth isn’t just out there – it’s right here, sometimes shooting across our sky, leaving us in wonder.


Original Article