'Fireball' from space seen hurtling through sky

A spectacular fireball was observed soaring through the sky over East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, captivating the attention of many residents. This extraordinary event took place at approximately 03:45 GMT, and it was not just limited to one area. People in Norfolk and parts of Yorkshire also reported seeing this bright phenomenon, with some social media posts indicating that it was visible as far away as the Netherlands. The fireball appeared as a brilliant ball of fire, leaving a glowing streak behind it, which made it a remarkable sight for those who witnessed it.

Paul Money, an astronomer from Horncastle, has shared his insights regarding this fireball. He believes that it was likely the remnants of a rocket booster. Rocket boosters play a crucial role in launching spacecraft into orbit. They are responsible for delivering satellites, such as those from Elon Musk's Starlink program, into their designated orbits before they eventually fall back to Earth and disintegrate upon re-entry. Mr. Money noted that the brightness of the fireball suggests it was a significant object, leading him to suspect that it was indeed the rocket booster itself that people observed streaking across the sky.

Among those who witnessed the fireball was Tom Fawcett, who spotted it while in Skegness, not far from the seafront. He described the moment, saying, 'I just looked up and saw a really bright light in the sky, so I got my phone out and started recording. ' Tom mentioned that he had seen shooting stars in the past, but this fireball was a unique experience that stood out to him. SpaceX, the company responsible for launching the rocket, has successfully launched 14 Falcon 9 Starlink rockets this year alone. This event has sparked curiosity and excitement among many, as they reflect on the incredible sight they witnessed in the night sky.