Rare Green Fireball Blazes Across Thailand, Identified as Perseid 'Bolide'

National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand confirms exceptionally bright meteor was likely part of annual Perseid shower, explains vivid hue

 

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.
  

NARIT further elaborated that the period between 17th July and 24th August each year marks the Perseid meteor shower, making it highly probable that this bolide was a fragment from this well-known celestial event.

 

The Perseids, often referred to as "Mother's Day meteors" in Thailand, are caused by dust particles left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle (109P/Swift-Tuttle) along its orbital path. As Earth passes through this debris, the particles are pulled into the atmosphere by gravity, igniting and creating bright streaks of light.

 

A distinctive characteristic of the Perseid meteor shower is the presence of vivid green meteors, which result from the burning of magnesium within their composition.

 

This phenomenon is a natural occurrence and poses no threat or impact to Earth.

 

While small objects frequently enter Earth's atmosphere daily, leading to routine meteor sightings, this event stood out due to its exceptional size, brightness, and distinct green colour.

 

Approximately 44 to 48.5 tonnes of meteoritic material falls to Earth every day; however, most land in remote areas, making discoveries of actual meteorites rare.

 

NARIT reassured the public that meteor phenomena are normal natural occurrences that can be fully explained by scientific principles.

(2025/08/04-00:00)