On the evening of Wednesday, a stunning fireball meteor illuminated the night sky, captivating residents in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The remarkable event was captured on video by WCCO viewer Diane Lloyd, who recorded the meteor over Sartell, Minnesota, at approximately 10:15 p.m. This celestial phenomenon was also spotted about 150 miles northeast in Duluth, where the Duluth Harbor Cam on Lake Superior caught footage of what is believed to be the same meteor passing over the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge.
The Neenah Fire Department in western Wisconsin joined the excitement by sharing their own observations on social media. At around 10:13 p.m., Officer Brent Wittman, leaving the ThedaCare Neenah Emergency Department, reported witnessing the meteor lighting up the evening sky, further confirming the widespread sighting.
According to the American Meteor Society, nearly three dozen fireball reports emerged from Minnesota between 10 p.m. and midnight on Wednesday, while over 70 sightings were recorded across Wisconsin. This surge in reports indicates a significant meteor event that captivated many stargazers and casual observers alike.
But what exactly is a fireball meteor? The American Meteor Society defines a fireball meteor as an exceptionally bright meteor, comparable in brightness to the planet Venus during dawn or dusk. A unique subset of fireballs, known as a bolide, is characterized by an explosive end, often accompanied by visible fragmentation. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso from NEXT Weather explained that these occurrences are more common than one might think. Due to the vast majority of the Earth's surface being covered in water, many meteors go unnoticed. However, with the increase in cameras and technology, more of these bright events are being documented.
Del Rosso noted that fireball meteors tend to burn brighter than regular meteors because they are usually composed of larger rock and debris. Like most meteors, fireballs typically incinerate completely in the atmosphere, leaving no debris to reach the ground. The American Meteor Society estimates that thousands of fireball-magnitude meteors enter Earth's atmosphere every day.
So, what is a meteor, and where do they come from? In July, WCCO spoke with Thaddeus LaCoursiere from the Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus. LaCoursiere explained that meteors originate from comets, which are composed of rock, dust, and ice orbiting the sun. As comets approach the sun, they heat up and develop a fiery tail. The meteors we see during meteor showers are remnants of this material left behind by comets.
When observing a meteor shower, LaCoursiere advises stargazers to look away from the meteor's point of origin. For example, if one can identify the constellation Capricorn in the sky, they should face away from it, as meteors will appear to come from the opposite direction. He also recommends finding a location away from light pollution to enhance visibility. To further improve the experience, LaCoursiere suggests allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 20 minutes. Caution is advised against looking at cell phones or other light sources, as this will necessitate another adjustment period of the same length.
In summary, the recent fireball meteor sightings in Minnesota and Wisconsin provided an awe-inspiring glimpse into the wonders of our universe. As technology advances and awareness grows, more people will likely be able to witness and appreciate these breathtaking celestial displays.
