On Sunday night, Victorians were left amazed as a meteor illuminated the skies above the state. The rare cosmic spectacle was captured on dash cams and CCTV in various locations, including Bendigo, Ballarat, and Melbourne’s outskirts, with some witnesses reporting ground vibrations accompanying the sight.
Astronomers have stated that this particular meteor event was not part of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Perry Vlahos explained that it was a “sporadic meteor,” indicating it came from a non-specific origin. He noted that the reason it could not be classified as a Perseid was due to the radiant—the point where meteors appear to originate—not being visible from Victoria’s latitude.
Another expert, Michael Brown from Monash University, suggested that if there were indeed fragments falling in areas like Bendigo and Ballarat, this could present an exciting opportunity. These reports implied that what locals heard might have been the result of a sonic boom generated by the meteor, indicating it had come sufficiently close to the ground. The implication of such a close encounter is that fragments of the meteor could have landed nearby, raising hopes that they may be discovered.
Overall, the event not only captivated viewers but also sparked scientific curiosity about the possibilities of meteorite recovery in Victoria.