On October 16, the skies lit up over several Eastern Seaboard states in the U.S. A bright green fireball streaked downward, leaving a glowing trail as it raced toward the ground and vanished near the horizon. Viewers were amazed, but the spectacle didn’t stop there. A video from North Branford, Connecticut, caught another meteor moving alongside the first. The two seemed to dance together before disappearing simultaneously.
This incredible sight repeated just a day later on October 17, again in North Branford but from a different spot. Once more, viewers spotted a fireball and a matching meteor by its side. Were these rare double meteors or just a clever illusion?
According to fireball expert Robert Lunsford from the American Meteor Society, these events could be an optical illusion caused by the cameras that captured them. In an email to Space.com, Lunsford noted, “These cameras are often housed under clear acrylic domes that might create these ‘double fireballs.’ You’ll notice the secondary light stays in the same position relative to the main event in both videos.”
So, if you come across videos of fireballs appearing in pairs online, keep in mind they might just be a trick of the light.
Meteor sightings are becoming more popular, drawing attention on social media platforms where users share their experiences. For instance, a recent poll showed that nearly 60% of people consider watching a meteor shower an essential part of their outdoor activities.
If you’re interested in capturing your own meteors, check out resources for photographing fast-moving meteors and recommendations for the best lenses and cameras for astrophotography.
For a deeper dive into meteors and their mysteries, you can visit the American Meteor Society for more insights and updates.
