Bright green fireball seen over UK and northern Europe breaks up over North Sea

A bright green fireball was observed over the United Kingdom and parts of northern Europe late on April 12, 2026, drawing widespread attention from witnesses across the region. The fireball, which appeared around 23:24 UTC, was visible from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Isle of Man. Trajectory analysis indicates the meteoroid burned up over the North Sea, with no expectation of meteorite recovery. The event generated at least 227 witness reports, along with multiple photos and videos documenting the phenomenon. Observers consistently described the fireball as exceptionally bright—far exceeding the brightness of Venus—with a distinctive green or light-green hue, alongside occasional orange, yellow, white, and blue tones. Many witnesses reported a bright terminal flare and visible fragmentation near the end of the meteor’s path, including pulsing flashes and sparks, consistent with the object breaking apart during atmospheric entry. The meteoroid’s estimated mass was about 12 grams, entering Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 32,000 km/h (20,000 mph), which contributed to the unusually vivid display despite its relatively small size. Experts from the UK Fireball Alliance and the UK Meteor Network noted that the fireball was likely unrelated to any active meteor showers, suggesting it originated from a larger asteroid fragment. The trajectory analysis confirmed the object’s path over the North Sea, reducing the likelihood of meteorite fragments reaching the ground. While some reports mentioned faint sounds associated with the fireball, these were considered less reliable due to the wide viewing area and brief duration of the event. This fireball event highlights the ongoing monitoring and study of near-Earth objects and meteoroids entering the atmosphere, contributing valuable data to planetary defense efforts and public awareness of such natural phenomena. The detailed witness accounts and multimedia evidence provide important insights into the behavior and characteristics of small asteroid fragments as they interact with Earth’s atmosphere.