Hokkaido Sees Rare Bright Fireball Phenomenon

Around 1:09 AM today, an unusual event occurred in Hokkaido’s sky as a bright green fireball was spotted falling near Sapporo and Hakodate. Residents in various cities noticed similar phenomena, which some likened to fireworks illuminating the night. The fireball, also referred to as a 'bolide,' is categorized as a particularly bright meteor. Experts at the Sapporo Youth Science Center noted the rarity of such brightness, attributing it to small celestial debris colliding with Earth's atmosphere at incredible speeds. As a result, the energy released causes an intense glow, sometimes reaching brightness comparable to a full moon. Observations confirm that this fireball was seen from multiple locations, including Nemuro and Monbetsu, creating excitement and surprise among witnesses in the wee hours of the morning. Such events are rare and do not present a predictable pattern; however, astral activity is expected to increase as the Geminids meteor shower peaks on December 14. This period signifies enhanced visibility of shooting stars, leading to speculation that another bright bolide might be detected soon. Citizens are encouraged to look skyward for a chance to witness this celestial spectacle again.