A meteor streaked across the sky over Karachi in the early hours of Monday, captivating residents with its brilliant glow.
The event, witnessed at approximately 2:43 am, was captured by several citizens, with videos quickly gaining traction on social media. The sudden flash of light sparked curiosity among skywatchers, with many describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” sight.
Astronomers explain that meteors, commonly referred to as "shooting stars," are fragments of asteroids that enter the Earth's atmosphere, producing a fiery glow due to friction with atmospheric gases. The bright trail observed over Karachi was likely caused by a meteoroid burning up upon entry.
According to NASA, Earth encounters between 100 to 300 tons of space debris daily, most of which consists of tiny particles no larger than a grain of sand. However, larger fragments occasionally enter the atmosphere, creating striking visual displays.
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Scientists highlight that asteroids, from which meteors originate, contain valuable minerals such as iron, nickel, and platinum. Some asteroids are also believed to hold water, raising possibilities for resource extraction to support future space exploration.
Despite their scientific significance, asteroids also pose potential risks. Historically, large asteroid impacts have been linked to mass extinctions and climate disruptions. While such catastrophic collisions remain rare, astronomers continue to monitor near-Earth objects to assess potential threats.
For now, Karachiites who witnessed the dazzling meteor remain in awe, with social media flooded with videos and reactions celebrating the breathtaking moment.
