Over the weekend, a dazzling blue meteor streaked across the skies of Spain and Portugal, captivating skywatchers and netizens alike. The event, captured accidentally by a girl taking a selfie, has gone viral, with many describing the sight as ‘almost biblical.’
What We Know
- A blue meteor lit up the skies over Spain and Portugal on Saturday night.
- A girl accidentally captured the meteor while taking a selfie, and the video has since gone viral.
- The European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed the meteor was a fragment of a comet.
- The meteor burned up over the Atlantic Ocean at an altitude of around 60 kilometers.
The Viral Moment
On Saturday night, a girl in Portugal was recording a video with her friends when the sky behind her suddenly lit up with a bright blue light. The unexpected celestial event was captured on her camera, and the video quickly went viral on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Netizens were quick to react, with comments ranging from comparisons to alien arrivals to suggestions for movie scenes.
Social Media Reactions
- “Alright now THIS version looks like an alien arrival.”
- “She was at the right time and made the video of her life.”
- “I’d totally use that as the opening scene for an Alien Invasion movie! So cool.”
- “Almost biblical.”
Scientific Explanation
The European Space Agency (ESA) posted a video of the meteor on X, describing it as a “stunning meteor” caught by its fireball camera. According to the ESA, the blue light streaking across the sky over the western Spanish city of Cáceres was traveling at a speed of almost 45 miles per second. However, the agency later clarified that the meteor was actually a small piece of a comet. The likelihood of any meteorites being found is very low, as the comet is believed to have burned up over the Atlantic Ocean at a height of 60 kilometers.
Public Fascination
The event has sparked widespread fascination and discussion online. Videos of the meteor, captured from various locations, show the sky turning neon blue, leaving viewers mesmerized. Some social media users speculated about the chemical composition of the meteor, attributing the blue color to the presence of magnesium.
Conclusion
While the meteor did not reach the Earth’s surface, the spectacle provided a rare and awe-inspiring display for those who witnessed it. The viral video serves as a reminder of the unexpected beauty that can occur in our skies, captivating both amateur skywatchers and professional astronomers alike.
