New Delhi witnessed a spectacular celestial event on Friday night when a bright meteor lit up the skies, leaving residents in awe and sparking a wave of excitement online.

The dazzling streak of light, followed by what appeared to be the meteor breaking apart mid-air, was visible across several cities, including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and as far as Aligarh.

Videos quickly surfaced on social media platforms, showing a fiery trail shooting across the night sky before fragmenting into smaller glowing pieces. Many users compared the phenomenon to a “shooting star explosion,” while others described it as one of the brightest meteors they had ever seen.

Astronomy experts said the event was most likely a bolide, a type of meteor that bursts into fragments after entering the Earth’s atmosphere due to intense friction and heat. While meteors are not uncommon, a bright event visible to such a large population is considered rare.

No damage was expected since most meteors disintegrate before reaching the ground.

The American Meteor Society had earlier noted that September is an active period for smaller meteor showers, though isolated fireball-like meteors can be seen outside of predicted showers. The brightness and fragmentation seen in Delhi indicate a sizeable rock from space burning up spectacularly.

Residents across Delhi NCR reported the flash was visible for only a few seconds but bright enough to outshine the city lights. Some also claimed to have heard a faint rumbling sound afterward, though no official confirmation was issued.

Authorities have not reported any impacts, but skywatchers described the sight as a once-in-a-lifetime space spectacle.

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