But Olson had \u201cnever seen anything like that before, that\u2019s for sure\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s calling it a meteorite.\u201d <\/p>\n
The International Meteor Organisation shared to Facebook early this morning that an 11-tonne Chinese rocket re-entered the atmosphere at 12.39am UTC (1.39am NZT). <\/p>\n
\u201cKeep an eye on the sky!\u201d the post said. <\/p>\n
The rocket re-entered the atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean, 800km south of New Zealand, according to the US Space Force. <\/p>\n
Newstalk ZB caller Carl was driving on State Highway 1 in Levin when the meteorite felt like it was right in front of him. <\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I was going a bit insane.\u201d <\/p>\n
Carl saw green and red in the sky. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was like a big ball with a massive tail behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caller Sue saw the moment near Whitby, describing \u201ca red ball and then green and white and blue. It was absolutely spectacular\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never [seen] anything in my 75 years, I\u2019ve never seen anything like it.\u201d <\/p>\n
She said it lasted a few seconds and left behind a pale white streak. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt looked like a giant skyrocket going horizontal.\u201d <\/p>\n
Truck driver Ivan was going through the old State Highway 1 route near Plimmerton when he saw bright \u201clime, slime green\u201d shooting across. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt had a really long green tail.\u201d <\/p>\n
On popular Facebook group Vic Deals, one user posted, \u201cI just saw the most mental-looking shooting star over Wellington\u201d. <\/p>\n
Over 200 users commented, describing a \u201ccomet\u201d, \u201cgiant laser knife\u201d, and a \u201cflying flame ball\u201d. <\/p>\n
One commentor joked: \u201cIt\u2019s Captain Marvel.\u201d <\/p>\n
Users on Reddit said they\u2019d seen the bright streak from Christchurch to Wainuiomata. <\/p>\n