Mysterious Glowing Objects Plummet from Sky in Midwest US

People across the Midwest, including in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, were left stunned by the sight of mysterious glowing objects falling from the sky and breaking apart as they moved over multiple states.

The streaks of bright lights, seen around 9 pm ET, lasted for about a minute and sparked speculation among witnesses. Many wondered if they were seeing a fireball, a meteor shower, or possibly even an alien event.

Spectators reported seeing vibrant red and orange trails that fragmented and eventually faded from view. The unusual sight was documented by many, with one Texas resident describing the object as initially moving upward before heading directly overhead, breaking apart as it passed. Another witness in Texas called it the brightest meteor event they had ever seen.

Astronomer and orbital debris expert Jonathan McDowell later explained that the glowing trails were caused by a re-entering SpaceX Starlink satellite that was breaking up as it fell back through Earth’s atmosphere.

SpaceX’s Starlink satellites orbit the Earth to provide internet access to remote areas. When a satellite’s mission is complete, it re-enters the atmosphere to prevent space debris from accumulating. McDowell, speaking to Space.com, noted that Starlink satellites are now major contributors to atmospheric re-entries, with almost daily instances of Starlink satellites returning to Earth.

This particular satellite re-entered over Washington state, traveling southeast until it disappeared over northern Texas. Witnesses in Oklahoma described the object as a bright fireball heading southeast and breaking into three parts, with one calling it “the coolest thing I’ve seen.”

The frequency of Starlink satellite re-entries has surged over the past five years, with McDowell remarking that the trend is expected to continue as more satellites complete their missions.