Bright Meteor Captured Over Southern Brazil
A meteor lit up the skies over Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, early Monday (July 5), with its brilliant display captured by a local observatory. The event, which occurred at approximately 00:06 local time, was confirmed by Carlos Fernando Jung, a researcher from Taquara Integrated Faculties. The meteor’s dazzling journey was visible across the state, leaving many in awe.
Meteor’s Path Across the Sky
According to Jung, the meteor travelled a remarkable 270 kilometres (167 miles) over Rio Grande do Sul in just 5.71 seconds. The rare atmospheric event, known as an Earth-grazing meteor, entered the atmosphere at an altitude of 96.6 km (60 miles) and likely exited at 162 km (100 miles). Earth-grazing meteors pass through the Earth’s atmosphere at a very low angle and then return to space without impacting the ground, making them a fascinating yet fleeting phenomenon.
Rare Meteor Captured by Local Observatory
Jung’s observatory in Brazil managed to capture the entire event, showcasing the meteor’s bright streak across the night sky. While such meteors are rare, they provide valuable insights into the nature of celestial bodies that interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
