[Video] Here's Why Meteor Fireball Streak Were Seen in U.S States; Expect 3 Meteors Per Hour Every Night Using Telescope
(Photo : Screenshot from: Beth Dalbey's Youtube Account via Robert Ward, Prescott AZ / American Meteor Society / AllSkyCams.com) [Video] Here's Why Meteor Fireball Streak Were Seen in U.S States; Expect 3 Meteors Per Hour Every Night Using Telescope

If you're on social media today, it's pretty sure that you've already watched various videos of meteor streaks that happened this morning on most parts of the United States of America. What does this mean?

50 reports seen meteor streak on their states

If this news is new to you, here's a sample video caught in Arizona on what seemed like a blasting fireball coming towards their neighborhood.

According to the reports, around 5:30 on Wednesday morning, a huge number of reports were posted on social media, saying that they have seen meteor streaks in Arizona. 

Interestingly, Arizona is not the only United States that multiple meteors have appeared in their cities but also California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Phoenix, and Tucson. 

A total of 50 reports were already filed, saying that they have seen meteors on different timelines and states. Citizens from Arizona even made a Facebook group named "Arizona's Weather Authority" on which citizens may freely post their pictures and videos of meteor streak that they've caught on camera within their neighborhood. 

Why do meteors begin to show up in Earth skies? 

As explained by the American Meteor Society, this meteor streak event that is now observed in the country is actually a normal thing that is expected to see starting today.

Based on their research, the months of February until March are the "best time of the months to view meteor activity." The moon, as explained, started to reach its new phase on Sunday, Feb. 23. This means that "the moon will lie near the sun and will be invisible at night. The moon will enter the evening sky later in the week but will not interfere with meteor observing."

This explains why tons of reports were written, saying that meteors are beginning to be shown on Earth skies, specifically in U.S. states. 

Expect hourly meteor shower starting today-- Anywhere you are!  

The agency also confirmed that this month would be one of the most memorable months for meteor sightings, as approximately three up to 13 meteors are expected to be seen anywhere you are every hour. 

"The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near three no matter your location. For morning observers, the estimated total hourly rates should be near eight as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 13 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S)," said American Meteor Society. 

If you are thinking or planning to catch the exact meteors using your telescopes-- starting today, AMS mentioned that there are a lot of star atlases that you can use (available at science stores and planetariums) and can provide maps on your tonight's meteor hunting.

These maps will determine the celestial coordinates for you to know where the exact positions of the meteors will be.

However, "The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity."

Let's now hunt some meteors!

ALSO READ: Guide to Photographing Meteors: Here's How to Shoot the 2020 Quadrantids Meteor Shower

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