A bright fireball entered the atmosphere above Vancouver Island at 07:12 UTC on April 29, 2026. The object fragmented above the Pacific Ocean west of Yuquot. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a range of colors including green, blue-green, white, orange, and red.
The fireball was first visible at an altitude of 90.6 km (56.3 miles) above Oktwanch Peak. NASA estimated the object’s speed at 29.5 km/s (106,200 km/h or 65,900 mph). It traveled southwest for about 89 km (55 miles) before breaking apart at an altitude of 62 km (38.6 miles).
Reports indicate that the end point of the calculated path is approximately 32 km (20 miles) west of Yuquot. The object is believed to be a fragment from a comet, roughly 0.6 m (2 feet) in diameter and weighing about 454 kg (1,000 pounds).
As of midday, the American Meteor Society received 135 reports and 15 videos from observers in British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington. Most reported durations for the fireball ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 seconds.
Several witnesses described persistent trains lasting between 1 to 5 seconds behind the fireball. Some also reported delayed sounds—like booms or tapping noises—following the sighting.
Experts note that such events are becoming more common due to increased access to cameras and reporting methods. Jim Todd explained that a fireball is essentially a meteor that appears very bright and moves slowly compared to traditional shooting stars.
This incident highlights a growing interest in meteor showers within the Pacific Northwest region. The increase in reports correlates with advancements in technology that allow more people to document and share their experiences.