PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Early Monday morning, Jason Jenkins was on his way to work when he noticed a bright green flash in the sky. He caught the moment on his dashcam at 6:06 a.m., while driving in southwestern Washington, just north of Portland.
At first, Jenkins thought he might have seen a comet, but it felt too close. He described it as “bright, like a lightning strike.” Later, experts confirmed that he witnessed a fireball, a very bright meteor that can light up the sky from up to 80 miles away.
Just last week, a 7-ton meteor created a similar spectacle in Ohio, visible across several states. It broke apart with a loud boom, startling many residents. Shortly after, another meteor zoomed past north of Houston, also causing booms when it disintegrated. One resident reported that a fragment crashed through her roof.
Green fireballs, like the one Jenkins saw, often contain magnesium. When heated in the atmosphere, magnesium emits a dazzling blue-green light. Nickel can add to this vibrant color, too. Jim Todd, director of space science education at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, noted how the fireball’s visibility was heightened by its altitude in the dark sky. “It was spectacular,” he said.
With the rise in dashboard cameras and doorbell videos, more people are capturing these rare moments. Jenkins, who bought his dashcam for safety, found it thrilling to catch something extraordinary. “I need to buy a lottery ticket now!” he joked.
But what happens to these fireballs after they streak through the sky? Todd explained that even when they reach Earth, they often look like ordinary rocks, making them hard to find. Less than 5% of these fireballs actually land on solid ground, and many end up lost unless they cause visible damage.
The excitement over meteors isn’t just a personal experience; it resonates widely on social media too. Hashtags like #MeteorWatch and #FireballFriday have gained popularity, with users sharing their own sightings and experiences. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly 60% of people have seen a meteor in their lifetime, and many express a sense of awe and wonder at these celestial events.
Stories like Jenkins’ remind us of our connection to the universe and spark curiosity about what else might be up there. While we may not all catch a fireball on camera, the thrill of witnessing something so extraordinary brings people together, whether it’s through tech, social media, or simply sharing the tales of our skies.
For more information about fireballs and meteors, you can check out resources like the [Oregon Museum of Science and Industry](https://omsi.edu).
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