Istanbul and its surrounding regions were treated to a spectacular celestial event last night as a meteor streaked across the sky, captivating onlookers. The event, which occurred during the evening hours, was particularly noticeable as the meteor passed over the iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, creating a stunning visual display.
İstanbul'da sodyum, demir, magnezyum ve atmosferik nitrojen karışımlı dev meteor düşüşü köprü üzerinde böyle görüntülendi !#göktaşı #meteor #istanbul pic.twitter.com/73tFnckdpR
— Hava Forum (@HavaForum) July 5, 2024
In Sakarya, the meteor was observed from several locations, with one particularly striking instance captured on a security camera in the Hendek district. The bright light from the meteor was seen streaking across the sky before disappearing from view, leaving residents in awe.
The meteor’s descent was not limited to Istanbul and Sakarya. Reports of the meteor sighting came in from various provinces, including Bursa, Yalova, Kocaeli, Bartın, Zonguldak, Karabük, Çankırı, and Çorum. The widespread visibility of the event added to the excitement and curiosity among the population.
In response to the widespread observations, the Turkey Space Agency released a statement explaining the phenomenon. According to the agency, “The meteor seen in various parts of our country tonight has caused excitement. The colours observed during the meteor’s entry into the atmosphere are influenced by several factors, including the meteor’s chemical composition, speed, and the gases present in Earth’s atmosphere.”
Bu gece ülkemizin çeşitli yerlerinde gökyüzünde görülen meteor heyecana neden oldu☄️
— Türkiye Uzay Ajansı (@tuajans) July 5, 2024
Meteorların atmosferden girişi sırasında oluşan renkler; meteorun kimyasal bileşimi, hızı ve Dünya atmosferinde bulunan gazlar gibi birkaç faktöre bağlı olarak farklılık göstermektedir.…
Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions and footage of the meteor. Users from different parts of the country shared their experiences and videos, creating a viral moment that united many in their shared astonishment. The hashtag #MeteorOverIstanbul trended as people expressed their wonder and curiosity about the celestial event.
Experts explain that meteors, often referred to as shooting stars, are small fragments of celestial bodies that burn up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, creating a bright trail of light. The varying colours seen during such events are due to the different elements present in the meteor and the atmospheric conditions at the time of entry. These events, while relatively common, continue to fascinate and excite people across the globe.
The meteor sighting over Istanbul and its surrounding areas provided a remarkable spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. Such celestial events remind us of the vastness and beauty of the universe, sparking both scientific interest and public wonder.