A video caught the moment the skies lit up a bright green as a meteor crashed to Earth. You can check it out here:
The incredible footage - captured by Jordan Ragsdale in Eagle, Idaho - appeared to show the sky lighting up a brilliant green before the object hurtled towards the ground.
Advert
The videos have sparked speculation surrounding just what the object could be, with some suggesting it's a satellite or some intergalactic junk and others choosing to believe it could be aliens.
Fingers crossed for the aliens, eh? I reckon that's just what 2021 needs, to be honest.
However, before you grab your tinfoil hat, astrophysics professor Dr. Hasan Ali Dal shared his expert - if not wholly less exciting - opinion.
Advert
Posting on Twitter he said the bright colours were caused by a 'fireball', which happens when a meteor begins to burn up as it enters the planet's atmosphere.
He explained: "It usually burns away in the upper atmosphere.
"It should be considered as a more specific version of the phenomenon known as a shooting star among the people and it is often experienced during periods of meteorite rains."
Advert
The meteor could be part of the Perseid Meteor Shower, which happens every year during July and August.
The annual event occurs when the Earth passes through an area filled with debris from the Comet Swift-Tuttle.
These meteors usually burn up before they land, but it can be a very good time of year to try and spot one in the sky as during peak time dozens of meteors can be seen every hour.
Advert
If you fancy catching a glimpse of one, earthsky.com reckons the best days are 11, 12 and 13 August.
To give yourself the absolute best chance of seeing one, head to a place with minimal light pollution before dawn.
Featured Image Credit: Caters/Jordan RagsdaleTopics: Interesting, space