A meteor sighting was captured on security camera across the Midwest in the U.S.

A GIANT 'ball of fire' which shot across the night sky in Iowa in the US Midwest has been captured in incredible security footage.

Believed by many to be a meteor, the bright flash was seen streaking across the open sky about 5.30pm local time on Thursday night.

The bright object was captured on security footage in the city of North Liberty, northwest of Iowa City.

The video posted on YouTube says the footage is "from the city of North Liberty Streets Department".

Locals took to Twitter and Facebook to describe the flash, which was also seen in parts of Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska and South Dakota.

The American Meteor Society - a not-for-profit organisation which collects information on possible meteor sightings - said about 460 people had reported seeing the fireball near the border of Iowa and Minnesota.

"Witnessed (sic) described a fireball as bright as the Sun that fragmented into many parts," the website said.

"Several witnesses reported sonic effects associated with the meteors including at least three reports of delayed booms."

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