A spectacular green light, identified as an exceptionally large “fireball” or ‘bolide’, illuminated the night sky over a vast swathe of Thailand in the early hours of Monday morning.

 

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has confirmed the celestial event, stating it was likely an “exploding meteor” and potentially part of the annual Perseid meteor shower.

 

The dazzling display was witnessed across multiple provinces in the central, eastern, and northeastern regions between approximately 23:52 and 23:55 on Sunday, 3rd August.

 

Residents in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Ang Thong, Nakhon Nayok, Nonthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, Buriram, Kalasin, and Surin reported seeing a large green light streak across the sky for about 10 seconds, travelling from the east, followed by a loud, explosion-like sound.

 

Based on social media posts, photographs, and video evidence, NARIT explained that the phenomenon was most likely a ‘bolide’, a type of meteor that explodes in the atmosphere.

 

These are typically exceptionally bright, with an apparent magnitude brighter than -14.0 (surpassing the brightness of a full moon), and are usually observed at altitudes of 80 to 120 kilometres, allowing them to be seen across wide areas.

Â