A fiery streak blazing across the night sky caught the attention of skywatchers over the weekend, leaving many wondering what exactly they had seen.

Experts say the phenomenon likely occurred as debris from a Chinese Long March 3B Third stage (the upper component of a Chinese heavy lift launch vehicle) descended through Earth’s atmosphere, creating a brilliant fireball visible for miles.

WESH 2 News Fireball in Central Florida skies on Nov. 8 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

How it happens

When an object from space enters the atmosphere, it travels at tremendous speed, often tens of thousands of miles per hour. As it slams into thicker air, friction and

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