Meteor shower or rocket debris? Streaks of light in the sky awe netizens

Filipino Netizens witness streaks of light in sky which was said to be rocket debris burning up in sky. | Screengrabbed from Abbie Aparicio/ FB

CEBU CITY, Philippines – At midnight on December 4, 2024, Filipino netizens, especially Cebuanos, were left in awe as streaks of light lit up the sky.

The unusual event quickly sparked speculation online, with many wondering if it was a meteor shower or something more mysterious.

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Amid the excitement, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the night before that debris from China’s Long March 3B rocket was likely to pass through the Philippines’ skies. The debris was expected to fall within identified drop zones, approximately 112 nautical miles from Rozul Reef and 151 nautical miles from Busuanga, Palawan.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page on December 4, PhilSA mentioned they were still gathering more information to confirm the nature of the strange lights. However, they noted it resembled rocket debris.

“The visual appearance of the objects resembles those of previously recorded space debris reentry events, such as those involving defunct rocket stages or satellites,” it said on its Facebook page.

@joelsarimosmua Taken December 04, 2024, 1:30 A.M 😱😱😱😱 #fyp #cebu ♬ original sound – Joel Sarimos

While the sight was an awe-inspiring spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it, PhilSA urges the public to notify local authorities if they spot any suspected debris. It also advises against handling or approaching these materials, as they may contain dangerous remnants, including toxic rocket fuel.

The event also served as a reminder of the growing interest in space exploration, the impacts of rocket launches on the Earth’s atmosphere, and space debris management.

The dazzling streaks, visible from different parts of the country, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao, have sparked conversations about space activity. For many, it was a rare, unforgettable moment that connected them to the broader happenings in space, far beyond our planet.