We like to think that we are the strongest there is. We go to the gym, boast about how much we have earned and how fast we travel to show our superiority. But in the cosmic sense of things, we are a dot that can be wiped off from this universe with the slightest of blips. And the people of Australia felt that way when they saw a fireball light up the sky.
According to ABC, a meteorite entered Earth’s atmosphere and was prominently witnessed in Perth, Australia. WA Premier Mark McGowan hopes it’s made of iron.
#FIREBALL OVER #PERTH! Our observatory in Northam caught this bright #meteor 😍and our app has been going bonkers with #citsci reports! Recreate your sighting https://t.co/z4IQHPzDJg. It's not aliens, it's a space rock burning up in our atmosphere! #CurtinMedia #curtinict pic.twitter.com/GXnV0VXKQO
— Fireballs in the Sky (@FireballsSky) August 29, 2018
Scientists are now searching for the fallen meteorite around the place called York, which is 100 kms east of Perth. Considering how the Earth’s atmosphere causes a lot of friction, thereby disintegrating anything that enters the airspace, nobody’s expecting to find chunks of the space rock.
Researcher Renae Sayers said that the meteorite slowed down before hitting Earth. However, that won’t make their search easy. Normal citizens are advised to turn it in to the concerned authorities, if they find it first, because that’s the rule. Failing to do so will result in a $1000 fine. Because, like Indiana Jones said, it belongs in a museum.
Watch the video of the fireball here:
- This was taken from a moving car.
Check out this #fireball over Perth! With appropriate exclamation, I may add 🤭 This was captured by Matt Payne in Bibra Lake – did you see it? Send your vids/pics to [email protected]! @tendailyau @FireballsSky @perthobs pic.twitter.com/bx7h6xR4OI
— Cyndi Lavrencic (@cyndilavrencic) August 28, 2018
2. This one was taken from the dashboard of a car which was on the hills.
Another incredible #fireball video over the Perth Hills! #perthnews @tendailyau @FireballsSky @perthobs pic.twitter.com/sn9nvUzj2f
— Cyndi Lavrencic (@cyndilavrencic) August 28, 2018
Netizens who saw these footage were amazed and some even thought that aliens have arrived to invade our planet.
1. Could be Thor.
I heard this last night, but thought it was thunder 😅 “Houses shake, windows rattle as 'scary' fireball lights up the Perth sky with a sonic boom” https://t.co/QKsTQ5cZgJ
— Dr Carly Monks (@archaeo_ecology) August 29, 2018
2. Just like a sci-fi movie.
What an unbelievable shot!!
— Josh Backman (@Josh_Backman) August 29, 2018
3. If the abductions begin, yes.
It’s starting, isn’t it @jjabrams https://t.co/MWaYsbyXdj
— Cloud (@Cloud777MG) August 30, 2018
4. They will probably regret it.
The androids finally decided to join us. Cool https://t.co/vgJWGGA2YS
— Hec (@TechnoPoser) August 30, 2018
5. *cue X-Files theme*
https://twitter.com/babythor/status/1035028371720335361
6. Just a reminder, being lazy isn’t a superpower.
https://twitter.com/GeniusofNote/status/1035023226370310144
While it’s quite amazing to see a fireball light up the sky, it’s humbling and a wake-up call as well. Our Earth’s atmosphere is a natural protective layer that prevents meteorites from causing too much damage. However, we’re mucking it up through global warming. This time we might’ve dodged a bullet, but if we don’t take care of our climate, maybe that fireball will be the last thing we get to see.