Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand Experiences Explosion and Glow from Bright Meteor
A mysterious explosive sound and turquoise glow seen and photographed in northern Thailand could have been a Bolide, a very bright meteor, according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand.
The loud bang was heard in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai Lamphun, Phayao, Mae Hong Son and Lampang provinces, while several netizens posted images of the light moving from west to east last night while no damage or injuries have been reported, according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand.
No damage or injuries have been reported, according to the Thai authorities.
A meteor that enters Earth’s atmosphere normally catches fire at an altitude of 80-120 kilometres and occasionally causes a sonic boom, in the same way a supersonic plane does. This would explain why the light was seen before a loud bang was heard.
It remains unclear if the object was a meteorite and most meteors burn up in the atmosphere before striking the ground.
There are around 6,000 meteorites entering Earth’s atmosphere each year, with most falling into the oceans or remote areas, according to NARIT’s director of astronomical academic services department Suparerk Karuehanon, adding that they are a common occurrence and there is no need for panic.
Meanwhile, AFP reports that some of the images posted on Twitter here on June 22, 2021. They have been shared more than 1,800 times since.
The Thai-language post translates as: “Who is in Chiangmai, they said a loud noise was heard along with green light during around 18:35 it is [an] #asteroid!!! #Chiangrai #meteor”.
The misleading post circulated the same night social media users in Chiang Mai and other areas in northern Thailand reported seeing flashes of light in the sky followed by loud noises.
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) confirmed the event was due to a meteor that had broken off from an asteroid and entered the Earth’s atmosphere.
Identical images were also shared alongside a similar claim on Facebook here, here and here; and on Twitter here and here.
