'Fireball' meteor streaks across Dutch sky

© Koen Miskotte

Fireball visible above the Netherlands last night

Last night a fireball was visible above the Netherlands.

The Werkgroep Meteoren says that it was visible as a bright sphere. The work group received more than 20 reports from people who saw the fireball within 45 minutes. This was the 5th fireball visible above the Netherlands.

Fireballs are meteors that are much brighter than normal. They are usually seen during meteor showers. During the next few days the Orioniden shower will reach its maximum. According to the work group, the shower will probably be very visible.

The Orionidens originated in Halley's Comet, which comes close to the sun and the earth every 76 years.