Cypriots in awe over flash in the sky

Local media reported on sightings of a fireball streaking across the sky over Cyprus, with experts ruling out a meteorite but not a meteoroid or even an unidentified flying object.

According to the Cyprus Astronomy Organisation, a very bright fireball was sighted Tuesday night just after 10pm.

The light was caught on video and appeared to be very brief, green and blue in colour. Estimated speed could have been 60 kilometres per second according to local experts.

Local experts were not in full agreement on whether the phenomenon was related to a celestial body. At least one expert phoned in on a radio morning show to suggest it could have be an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) and call on authorities to seek more information from allies in the region.

CAO, which asked social media users to report sightings, wrote on Facebook that sightings were reported in Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, and Famagusta.

A meteorite was sighted in 2016 over Cypriot skies. It lasted for several seconds and reportedly made a sound at the end, according to reports.

Tuesday’s phenomenon was said to have been observed much lower, closer to the earth’s surface, with the flash lasting only for a split second. Initial reports ruled out lightning due to no audible sound.

A meteoroid that evaporated completely through the earth’s atmosphere was the most likely scenario, according to experts.