Shooting stars are often only seen at night as the dark setting provide the perfect opportunity to see meteors hitting Earth's atmosphere. However, every now and again, a meteor collides with Earth's atmosphere in the day time at such velocity that it is able to be seen in the day time.

The fireball entered Earth's atmosphere at around 1.30pm in Germany on April 6, and could even be seen in Croatia and Italy. Onlookers were amazed by the sighting, with the footage captured on a car-dash cam, and shared by the American Meteor Society. The bright light appears faintly through the middle of the screen, with the International Meteor Organisation (IMO) receiving 350 reports of the meteor. One witness, Sandra from Germany, told the IMO: "I was amazed at the brightness and colour and the appearance in the bright blue sky during the day."

Meteor shock: Fireball so bright it is seen during DAYTIME in stunning video

The meteor could be seen across southern Europe

Asteroids and meteors produce a bright explosion of fire when they hit the atmosphere as it is the first time the space rock has ever met resistance. Air seeps into the pores and cracks of the rock, pushing it apart and causing it to explode. The IMO said: “Fireballs are meteors that appear brighter than normal. “Due to the velocity at which they strike the Earth’s atmosphere, fragments larger than one millimetre have the capability to produce a bright flash as they streak through the heavens above. READ MORE: Fireball EXPLODES over English Channel in 'amazing' display

"I was amazed at the brightness and colour and the appearance in the bright blue sky"

“These bright meteors are what we call fireballs and they often strike fear and awe for those who witness them.” While this meteor was small, the bright flash reiterates the need for eyes on the skies to watch out for potential asteroid collisions. While the chances of a major asteroid hitting Earth are small – NASA believes there is a one in 300,000 chance every year that a space rock which could cause regional damage will hit – the devastating prospect is not impossible. However, there are some plans on the go which could help Earth against potential asteroid strikes. DON'T MISS

Earth’s new moon is drifting away from Earth - ‘It’s on its way out'

Meteor EXPLODES above California leaving residents stunned – watch

Asteroid news: How YOU can help astronomers study meteors striking UK

Asteroids, comets and meteors

Trending