Very bright fireball over Hokkaido, Japan
A very bright fireball was observed over Hokkaido shortly after 01:00 local time (LT) on Thursday, December 5, 2024 — 16:00 UTC on December 4.
Fireball observed over Hokkaido, Japan at 01:00 JST on December 5, 2024. Image credit: NHK (stillshot)
A very bright fireball was observed over several parts of Hokkaido shortly after 01:00 on December 5. The fireball was primarily visible in the eastern parts of Hokkaido.
The fireball, described as orange and red, was captured by cameras installed at Tokachi Port in Hiroo Town, Tokachi, and in Akkeshi Town, Abashiri City, and Muroran City in eastern Hokkaido.
“It appears to have been a fireball that exploded twice before falling,” said Katsuhito Nakajima of the Ginga no Mori Astronomical Observatory.
【道内各地で「火球」とみられる現象】
— NHK北海道 (@nhk_hokkaido) December 5, 2024
5日午前1時すぎ 夜空が明るく輝きました
道東を中心に道内各地で「火球」とみられる現象が観測されましたhttps://t.co/caNpTgcZpS#ほっとニュース北海道 でお伝えします#NHK帯広
各地の映像をまとめました pic.twitter.com/b7hJELYH7R
Nakajima stated that while fireballs are not uncommon in Hokkaido, it is rare to observe one that shines as brightly as this.
References:
1 A phenomenon believed to be a “fireball” was observed mainly in eastern Hokkaido. – NHK – December 5, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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