A dazzling meteor fireball illuminated the night sky over western Oregon on Monday, drawing the attention of hundreds of residents who reported witnessing the spectacular event. At approximately 10:45 p.m., a bright flash streaked across the sky, captivating onlookers and prompting a flurry of social media activity.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) received numerous reports from across Oregon and Washington, with many individuals sharing videos captured on security cameras. The American Meteor Society’s website logged over 130 reports of the fireball between 10:45 p.m. and 11 p.m., showcasing the widespread excitement generated by the phenomenon.
Witnesses described the fireball as visible for about five seconds, with many noting its vibrant green hue and a trailing yellow tail. The event was reported to have occurred to the south of the metro area, with multiple videos and descriptions circulating on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and Twitter.
According to the American Meteor Society, preliminary data suggests that the meteor traveled on a northwestern trajectory and became visible as it passed above the Umpqua National Forest, located roughly halfway between Eugene and Klamath Falls. However, the society cautions that the underlying data is crowdsourced and has not been independently verified.
OMSI is encouraging anyone who captured footage of the fireball to share it online, as this could help pinpoint the meteor’s exact path. Most reports came from cities and towns throughout western Oregon, but sightings were also noted as far away as Bellingham, Washington, Sacramento, California, and Boise, Idaho.
Experts have confirmed that this dazzling display is not part of a regular meteor shower, making it a rare and extraordinary sight for those fortunate enough to witness it. As the excitement continues to ripple through the region, skywatchers and meteor enthusiasts are left wondering about the origins and trajectory of this captivating celestial event.