Meteor streaking across the night sky.
Share this @internewscast.com

A BLAZING fireball lit up the skies over Australia before a deafening bang rattled homes and sent social media into meltdown.

Just before 8pm on Sunday, residents of Victoria reported seeing a flash of intense light followed by a powerful boom, suspecting it to be a meteor.

Meteor streaking across the night sky.
A suspected meteor lit up the skies over Australia before a deafening bang rattled homes and sent social media into meltdown
Meteor over Australian field at night.
Residents thought they saw a blinding flash followed by a ground-shaking boom at around 8pm on SundayCredit: X/HooperMatt57401
Meteor streaking across the night sky.
Dashcam footage caught the dazzling celestial body on camera

One shocked witness wrote on social media: “Just saw something fall from the sky near Daylesford and a huge bang. Never felt anything like it.”

Another claimed: “Hubby saw a red light falling, followed by a loud bang! The house was shaking.”

A driver expressed that they were startled to the point of fear when a red streak of light appeared above them, while someone else humorously speculated that the sound might’ve been a wombat crashing into a gate as a heavy possum scampered over the roof.

Dashcam videos shared online display the meteor’s dazzling path crossing the Melbourne sky around 8.30pm, where it flared up brilliantly before fragmenting into a burst of white light.

One particular clip, marked at 7.49pm, shows the fireball streaking over Victoria, casting a bright glow over the area briefly, before vanishing – just before locals reportedly heard the loud noise.

Michael Brown, an associate professor at Monash University’s school of physics and astronomy, suggested the noise might have been a sonic boom, which indicates the meteor might have come quite close to the Earth.

He noted: “That’s unusual and quite fascinating, because if those accounts are correct, what they likely heard was the meteor’s sonic boom.”

“To be able to hear the sonic boom loudly from the ground suggests that quite a big chunk of the meteor was pretty close to the ground.

“And that possibly means there’s chunks of the meteorite actually made it down to the ground and optimistically, might be found.”

But finding them will be no small task.

“They’re not dangerous. They won’t be particularly hot or cold… but there’s a lot of rocks out there in rural Victoria, so trying to identify a meteor amongst them can be pretty tricky,” he said, adding any pieces would likely be just centimetres in size.

While the Perseid meteor shower is set to peak this week, astronomer Perry Vlahos said this was a “sporadic meteor” – a random rock from space not linked to any known shower.

“It burns out in the sky, way before hitting the ground, so it won’t be a meteorite… at this stage, we can only call it a meteor,” he said.

The event came just three days after Perth residents were wowed by another fiery visitor – a fist-sized cometary fragment slamming into the atmosphere at 21 miles per second.

That one burned up 42 miles above the ocean southwest of the city, with no fragments making it to the ground.

Experts say while these fireballs aren’t uncommon, ones bright enough to light up the sky and loud enough to shake houses are rare – and always get people talking.

Space experts say it’s not that more meteors hit Australia — it’s that the country is better set up to see, film, and recover them.

According to Curtin University’s Desert Fireball Network, Australia’s interior offers low–light, dry skies ideal for detection and adds a layer of recovery readiness in its sparse, open terrain, The Guardian reports.

Specialists also highlight Australia’s “virtually pristine” dark skies in its inland regions, plus a growing number of Dark Sky Places, as major reasons meteors are more visible here than in many other parts of the world.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Celebrities from Prince Harry to Steve Bannon call for ban on AI 'superintelligence.' What is it?

Why Celebrities Like Prince Harry and Steve Bannon Are Demanding a Ban on AI Superintelligence

(NEXSTAR) – An open letter urging the cessation of progress in “superintelligence”…
Convicted felon federally charged after threatening Atlanta airport while armed with AR-15 rifle

Armed Felon Faces Federal Charges After Threatening Atlanta Airport with AR-15: A Chilling Security Breach

A Georgia resident is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to “shoot…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
'Chicago P.D.' star Patrick John Flueger takes sudden leave of absence

Chicago P.D. Star Patrick John Flueger Announces Unexpected Leave of Absence: What Fans Need to Know

Adam Ruzek is stepping away from the Intelligence Unit — at least…
Florida mother accused of killing her son, sheriff says

Florida Mother Charged in Tragic Death of Her Son, Authorities Report

LAND O’LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) — In a tragic turn of events, the…
The Federal Reserve Wants to Integrate Crypto and Fintech into U.S. Financial System

Federal Reserve Plans to Embrace Crypto and Fintech in U.S. Financial System Overhaul

In a notable shift towards digital advancement, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J.…
Family fights for father's release from ICE custody after Crestwood arrest, details conditions at Broadview facility

Family Battles for Father’s Freedom: Inside the Harrowing Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility After Crestwood Arrest

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mariana Cabrera recounted the tense hours her family endured,…
New York City ICE raid nets 9 arrests of illegal aliens from West Africa, 4 protesters also arrested

NYC ICE Operation: 9 West African Nationals Arrested, 4 Protesters Detained Amid Immigration Crackdown

The bustling streets of New York City’s Chinatown became the focal point…
ted cruz, eric johnson, daniel comeaux speaks during conference

Dallas Mayor Criticizes Police Chief’s Solo Move to Turn Down $25M ICE Grant, Sparking Controversy

In Dallas, a debate has erupted among city leaders over the role…
Star-studded gala celebrates Misty Copeland as she takes final bow with American Ballet Theatre in NYC

NYC Gala Honors Misty Copeland’s Iconic Farewell with American Ballet Theatre: A Star-Studded Celebration

NEW YORK — Misty Copeland is set to retire her iconic pointe…
Protests erupt as ICE agents raid NYC Chinatown street vendors allegedly selling counterfeit goods

ICE Agents Conduct Raids on NYC Chinatown Vendors Amid Counterfeit Goods Allegations, Sparking Protests

In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, a federal operation in…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Vermont Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Middlebury College Student

Authorities in Vermont have initiated an extensive search for a missing senior…