• A bright green fireball, identified as a large meteor, was widely observed over Utah and the Pacific Northwest on Saturday night.
• Experts suggest the meteor might be associated with the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, which is currently active and peaks in early May.
• The meteor's green hue is attributed to its chemical composition, particularly the presence of nickel, and its sightings were reported across multiple states and Canada.

On Saturday night, a significant meteor event captivated observers across Utah, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of Canada. The meteor, described as a bright green fireball, streaked across the sky, prompting numerous reports and sparking widespread interest. Witnesses shared videos and images on social media, with some describing the spectacle as a 'huge green fireball' or comparing it to a falling firework. Experts, including NASA solar system ambassador Jason Trump, believe the event could be related to the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, currently active in the region.

• What: A bright green fireball meteor streaked across the sky, visible across multiple states and Canada.
• Who: Witnesses across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Washington, Alberta Canada, and experts like Jason Trump, a NASA solar system ambassador, and scientists.
• When: Saturday night, May 3, 2025. The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, associated with the event, is active from April 20 to May 21, 2025, peaking May 5-6.
• Where: Northern Utah, Ogden, Salt Lake Valley, Pacific Northwest, Southern Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Alberta, Canada.

The widespread observation of the bright green fireball highlights the public's fascination with celestial events. The consensus among experts is that the phenomenon was likely a large meteor, potentially linked to the Eta Aquariid meteor shower. The green color, attributed to nickel content, adds to the intrigue. The event has spurred interest in meteor observation and astronomy, as evidenced by increased activity on the American Meteor Society's website and planned events at the Clark Planetarium. The search for potential meteorite fragments is ongoing, although the meteor's trajectory and fragmentation make recovery challenging.

"What they're seeing is what's called a fireball, and the fireball is a shooting star, but a really, really big one."

"It's going to have different colors that are going to be seen in that fireball, and the green is actually from nickel, which is a very common metal to find in objects that are natural from space,"

"I thought I was witnessing end times,"

The recent sighting of a bright green fireball meteor over Utah and the Pacific Northwest, potentially linked to the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, underscores the solar system's dynamic nature and ignites curiosity about space. As the Earth passes through the debris field of Halley's Comet, the Eta Aquariids, known for their speed, become visible, with peak activity expected in early May. These meteors, traveling at approximately 40 miles per second, create luminous trails that can persist for several seconds. While the search for meteorite fragments continues, skywatchers are encouraged to observe not only the Eta Aquariids but also upcoming meteor showers like the Southern delta Aquariids in late July, and the Perseids in mid-August, recognizing that each shower offers a unique celestial display. Observing these events provides valuable data about the composition and behavior of cometary debris, furthering our understanding of the solar system's evolution.