A rare meteor shower was visible in the skies of Australia on Monday night, dazzling viewers from Bundaberg in Queensland to central New South Wales, with some even further south in Melbourne getting a glimpse of the spectacle. The event was part of the annual Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest meteor showers known, with records dating back to 687 BCE. The meteor lit up the dark skies at approximately 7:30 p.m., providing a stunning and memorable sight for those lucky enough to witness it.
Residents in various locations across Australia were able to capture the meteor shower on camera, with many noting loud bangs and bright flashes accompanying the astronomical event. Some mistook the meteor for lightning due to its brightness, while others reported seeing a flash of green among the clouds. One witness near the Queensland-NSW border described hearing a massive boom after seeing the bright white meteor streak across the sky with a green tail, leading to a belief that it had struck nearby.
The meteor was also sighted in New South Wales and Victoria, with residents in Sydney and Melbourne reporting the brilliant display in the night sky. Observers near Kyogle in New South Wales likened the sudden brightness to a giant light switch being turned on, with the white meteor and green tail appearing close enough to give the impression of hitting a nearby house. In Sandy Flat, NSW, a resident recounted feeling the entire house shake as the meteor passed above, followed by a loud boom that shook the area similar to thunder.
Drivers on the roads also caught a glimpse of the meteor shower, with one individual driving from Cooran in Queensland initially thinking that someone had turned on high beams due to the brightness of the meteor. The Lyrid meteors are an annual occurrence typically between April 16 and 29, with the peak falling on April 22 to 23. Unlike other meteors that leave a long glowing trail of dust in their wake, the Lyrid meteor consists of bright flashes, commonly referred to as a fireball. Stargazers who missed the spectacle on Monday night will have another opportunity to witness the meteor shower on Tuesday evening.
The Lyrid meteor shower is an annual event that provides a breathtaking display of burning rocks streaking across the night sky. With sightings dating back centuries, this particular meteor shower is one of the oldest known to humanity. Many Australians were fortunate enough to witness the dazzling show on Monday night, capturing the event on camera and sharing their experiences on social media. The bright flashes and loud noises accompanying the meteor shower added to the excitement, leading many to mistake the display for lightning or a thunderstorm.
The sighting of the Lyrid meteor shower in Australia was a rare and unforgettable experience for many residents across the country. From Bundaberg in Queensland to central New South Wales and even as far south as Melbourne, viewers were treated to a stunning display of burning rocks lighting up the night sky. With reports of loud bangs, bright flashes, and even the shaking of houses, the meteor shower left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to witness it firsthand. As the Lyrid meteors occur annually between April 16 and 29, enthusiasts will have another chance to observe the radiant display on Tuesday evening, ensuring that the magic of the celestial event continues to captivate audiences.
