VIDEO: Shooting stars visible in the sky over Monte Castelo; “Spectacle of Nature”

A series of shooting stars were spotted over the weekend as they passed through the skies over Monte Castelo on the state’s northern plateau. The record was made by amateur astronomer Josimar Justino de Souza between Saturday evening (10) and Sunday morning (11). “A spectacle of nature,” says the specialist.

Shooting stars caught on camera – Video: Jocimar Justino de Souza/BRAMON/Disclosure/ND

Altogether, five cameras at the observation station captured impressive images of several meteors, also known as shooting stars. The equipment is part of the monitoring network of Bramon (Brazilian Meteor Observing Network) and GMN (Global Meteor Observing Network).

“A spectacle of nature that reminds us how mysterious and majestic our universe is. Astronomy gives us the opportunity to witness unique moments and it was a great honor for us to register this event to share it,” says Josimar in a social media post.

Can shooting stars be seen with the naked eye?

According to Josimar, there is no need to use special equipment to see falling weaves. “Seeing with the naked eye is undoubtedly the best experience, so much so that almost everyone has seen a shooting star at least once in their life,” he says.

About the duration of the phenomenon in the sky, the astronomer says that the time of passage and the speed differ. Some last for a fraction of a second, while others fly across the sky for tens of seconds. It depends on the angle of entry, speed and size of space debris.

Shooting star passages occur when a solid particle enters the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed. This particle is usually small fragments of comets and asteroids.

“Cosmic particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere all the time, even during the day. Due to the darkness of the night, they are easier to observe during this period,” explains Chocimar.

The astronomer also explains that there are times of the year when these phenomena occur with greater intensity, that is, when the peak days of the largest meteor showers occur. “Here in Brazil, the biggest meteor shower I have ever recorded was the Delta Acuaridas do Sul meteor shower, which takes place annually at the end of July. In one night, I have already registered about 700 meteors during the period of the greatest intensity of this rain, ”he says.