That Bright Flash Over Minnesota Wasn’t A Meteor After All

I am so bummed I missed this! Fortunately, there are quite a few videos that have been posted to the American Meteor Society. What's interesting about this is it's not a meteor. Some people guessed it was a fireball, like I originally did. But the probable explanation makes a lot more sense with how this one behaved.

What Is A Fireball?

A fireball is when a meteor enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, usually ending in a flash. They are very bright and usually short-lived. It's like a super shooting star. I've been lucky enough to witness a couple of them in my lifetime. They are random, quick, and unpredictable.

When I saw the video, I at first guessed it was a fireball. But what surprised me is how long this thing kept going. It seemed to be sustaining its shape and trajectory for a long time.

American Meteor Society Says It Wasn't A Fireball

The American Meteor Society had 136 reports of this incident. They say it was not a fireball, and likely the re-entry of StarLink satellite #3322. The satellite's orbit decay was projected to enter Earth's atmosphere in December. The last timestamp for the satellite was just before this event occurred. So, it's safe to say it was the satellite that streaked across North America, lighting up our skies.

Starlink satellites only last a few years in space. When they reach the end of their lifespan, Starlink uses the propulsion system to guide them into a re-entry burn. The friction of the Earth's atmosphere and incredible velocity cause the satellite to burn up without harming anyone.

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