Early risers in Alberta were treated with quite the sight Wednesday — a meteor blazing through the sky! Social media users in Calgary, Edmonton, and even Montana have posted videos showing a small ball of light bursting into a trail of green. Those who witnessed the meteor say it happened around 6:30 a.m. MDT.
The National Weather Service picked up the meteor around 5:30 a.m. over southwestern Alberta. The sensor picked up the meteorite over southwestern Alberta that could been seen over several states.
Residents across Montana, Washington, and Idaho witnessed the blue-bright white color illuminating the sky due to the event. The meteorite's appearance was unexpected, capturing the attention of many in the region.
Meteorite sightings
People across the region took to social media to share their experiences and videos of the bright light streaking across the sky. The meteor was seen as far south as Spokane, Washington. The event, which was captured by the National Weather Service, was reported as a meteorite.
What is a meteorite?
A meteorite is a piece of debris from a comet or asteroid that falls to Earth. Most meteorites are small, but some can be quite large. The meteor that lit up the skies over western Montana, Alberta, and Idaho was likely a small piece of debris that burned up in the atmosphere.
What are the chances of seeing a meteor?
While it's rare to see a meteor as bright as the one that was spotted over western Montana, Alberta, and Idaho, it's not unheard of. Meteors can be seen on any given night, but they are often faint and difficult to spot. The best time to see a meteor shower is during a meteor shower, which occurs when the Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by a comet.
Meteor showers
The most famous meteor shower is the Perseid meteor shower, which occurs every August. The Perseid meteor shower is known for its bright meteors, which can be seen in large numbers.
Other meteor showers
There are a number of other meteor showers that occur throughout the year. Some of the most popular meteor showers include:
- The Leonid meteor shower (November)
- The Geminid meteor shower (December)
- The Quadrantid meteor shower (January)
What to do if you see a meteor
If you are lucky enough to see a meteor, take a moment to enjoy the spectacle. There is no need to be afraid of a meteor, as they are very unlikely to pose any threat to humans. However, if you see a meteor that is particularly bright or large, it is always a good idea to report it to your local authorities or the National Weather Service.
Meteorite vs. meteor
A meteorite is a piece of debris from a comet or asteroid that falls to Earth. A meteor is the streak of light that is seen when a piece of debris burns up in the atmosphere.
What happens to meteorites?
Some meteorites are found by people, but most are never found. Meteorites that are found are often studied by scientists to learn more about the solar system.
The future of meteor sightings
Meteor sightings are a relatively common occurrence, and there is no reason to believe that this will change in the future. With the advent of social media, it is easier than ever for people to share their experiences and photos of meteor sightings. This means that we are likely to see even more meteor sightings in the years to come.
Conclusion: Lights, camera, meteor!
The bright meteor that was spotted over western Montana, Alberta, and Idaho was a reminder that the universe is a vast and mysterious place. While it is rare to see such a bright meteor, the event is a reminder that we are constantly surrounded by celestial objects that are constantly moving and evolving. The next time you look up at the night sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the universe.
