• A bright green fireball was widely observed over Utah and other states in the Pacific Northwest on Saturday night.
• Experts believe the phenomenon was a meteor, potentially associated with the ongoing Eta Aquariids meteor shower.
• The green color of the fireball is attributed to the presence of nickel in the meteor's composition.

On Saturday night, a bright fireball streaked across the skies of Utah and the Pacific Northwest, captivating observers and prompting speculation about its origin. The event was widely reported, with numerous eyewitness accounts and video recordings shared on social media. Experts have identified the phenomenon as a meteor, possibly linked to the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, which is currently active. The meteor's distinctive green color has been attributed to the presence of nickel, a common element in space rocks. The event has sparked interest among scientists and stargazers, with potential efforts underway to locate any surviving meteorite fragments.

• What: A bright green fireball, identified as a meteor, streaked across the sky.
• Who: Viewers across Utah and the Pacific Northwest, Jason Trump (NASA solar system ambassador), scientists, and the American Meteor Society.
• When: Saturday night, May 3, 2025, around 9:30 PM. The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is active from April 20 to May 21, 2025, peaking May 5-6.
• Where: Northern Utah (West Valley, Box Elder, Ogden, Layton, Centerville, Eagle Mountain, Grantsville, Salt Lake), Ogden, Riverton, and across the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Alberta, Canada).

The appearance of a bright green fireball over a wide geographical area generated significant public interest and engagement, as evidenced by numerous eyewitness reports and social media posts. Expert analysis suggests that the event was likely a meteor, potentially associated with the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. The green color of the fireball is attributed to the presence of nickel, a common element in space rocks, as explained by Jason Trump, NASA solar system ambassador. The event highlights the ongoing interaction between Earth and space debris, offering opportunities for scientific study and public education.

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

“It was like a firework falling down from the sky!”

“This had a green glow to it, and it traveled across Utah and a lot of people were able to see it in the Salt Lake Valley area.”

The recent observation of a bright green fireball over Utah and the Pacific Northwest has captivated the public and provided valuable insights for scientists. Identified as a meteor, possibly related to the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, the event underscores the dynamic nature of our solar system and the potential for rare and spectacular astronomical phenomena. While searches for meteorite fragments may continue, the event serves as a reminder of the ongoing interplay between Earth and space.