Astronomer: Fireball was from outer space

This green fireball from space, thought to be a meteor burning up in the atmosphere, was seen over Bangkok, Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Pathom and other provinces around 8.35pm on Monday. (Photo from #Inook7457 Twitter)

The bright green fireball widely seen over Thailand on Monday night was a small object from outer space entering the earth’s atmosphere at high speed, the head of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Narit) confirmed on Tuesday.

Based on images and videos captured by people in provinces including Bangkok, Rayong, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Sawan, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok, Ang Thong and Chiang Mai, the plunging object caused a fireball similar to the one seen on Sept 7, the institute’s director Boonraksa Soonthorntham said.

However, this time the fireball was green, instead of orange - probably because the object contained a lot of chromium, which is commonly found in iron meteoroids.

The fact the fireball was spotted over such a large area - in the North, Central and Northeast of Thailand - suggested it was burning up in the atmosphere at a very high altitude.

Assoc Prof Boonraksa said several types of object could create such a phenomenon - such as the residue of a planetoid or comet, or an old satellite falling to earth.

Although it was exciting that two such incidents had occurred within a two-month period, there was no need for worry as there was only a low possibility such falling objects would cause damage to life or property.

Narit, a public organisation, had only a preliminary analysis of the object at this point and was still gathering information, he said.

Video by Saran Pol on YouTube