Meteorite lights up sky in western Finland

Observations of the light phenomenon were made across many parts of Ostrobothnia. Image: Ursan Taivaanvahti-havaintojärjestelmä  An exceptional bright light phenomenon was observed in many parts of Ostobothnia, a region in western Finland, just after 5pm on Tuesday.

According to the Ursa astronomical association, a meteorite passed through the Earth’s upper atmosphere before hitting the ground.

Esko Lyytinen of Ursa speculated it could have been as heavy as dozens of kilograms.

The object’s final explosion  probably occurred between the towns of Kalajoki and Ylivieska.

Several observations of the object were made by Ursa at locations across Ostrobothnia.A subsonic blast was heard over a wide area.

Meteorites are a rare occurrence whereas meteors, objects that fail to reach the Earth’s surface, are more common. For example, during the course of the year, the Earth passes through dust clouds which give rise to a phenomenon known as a “meteor shower.” During such an event, streaks of light caused by small rocky particles are visible at regular intervals in the night sky.

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