Watch CBS News

Meteor streaks across the sky over St. Louis at height of Northern Taurids shower

Meteor streaks through sky over St. Louis
Meteor streaks through sky over St. Louis 00:31

A meteor lit up the sky over St. Louis, Missouri, on Monday night, CBS affiliate KMOV-TV reports. Hundreds of residents reported seeing a bright flash of light across at least two counties. Many also reported hearing a loud boom as the meteor streaked across the sky around 9 p.m. local time.

The sighting coincides with the height of the Northern Taurids meteor shower, which is known for its spectacular fireballs.

Check this out! At 8:51 pm we heard a loud boom then saw this on our ring video. Anyone else hear or see it?

Posted by Alyce Galletto Bava on Monday, November 11, 2019

The Taurids is produced by debris colliding with the atmosphere as the Earth drifts through remnants from the P1/Encke comet, according to CNET. This occurs annually during the last three months of the year.

The American Meteor Society said most sightings came from Missouri but it also received reports from witnesses in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The group calculated based on those reports that the fireball was traveling from east to west and ended its flight somewhere near Wellsville, Missouri.

A number of home security cameras captured video of the fireball streaking through the sky.

The National Weather Service could not confirm if the meteor touched down or if it burned up in the atmosphere.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.