Meteor Fireball Observed Across Northern Europe
Scientists have confirmed that a bright fireball seen in the skies above East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire was a meteor. The event was captured on video in multiple locations including Hornsea, Billingborough, and Moulton Seas End.
Charlotte Bays, secretary of the UK Fireball Alliance, reported that the meteor was observed across northern Europe at approximately 00:24 BST on Monday. However, she indicated that the likelihood of recovering any fragments from the meteor is low.
"Based on the fireball trajectory, the event occurred over the North Sea so, sadly, we do not expect any recoverable meteorites."
Bays explained that the meteor's brightness was notable and attributed this to its chemical composition, which included magnesium.
John Maclean, representing the UK Meteor Network, stated that the meteor was unrelated to any known astronomical event and probably originated from a larger asteroid. According to the group's analysis, although the fireball was bright, the meteor itself was relatively small, with an estimated weight of about 12 grams (0.5 ounces).
"The meteor was not big," Maclean said, "and it would most likely have burnt up completely on entering the Earth's atmosphere at about 20,000 mph (32,000 km/h)."
Bays encouraged skywatchers to remain observant in the coming weeks, as the Lyrids meteor shower is expected to begin soon and reach its peak on April 22. She emphasized, however, that this particular meteor was a unique occurrence.
"This meteor was a 'one-off' event."
For those interested, highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire or Lincolnshire can be heard on , and the latest episode of Look North is available to watch. Additionally, the app can be downloaded from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices.
