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VIDEO: Fireball streaks across Spain and explodes over Murcia
Experts confirm it was space debris from a Chinese rocket, not the Perseid meteor shower
What many believed to be an early arrival of the spectacular Perseid meteor shower turned out to be something far more unusual. The brilliant fireball that lit up the skies over Spain on Friday night, August 8, was in fact space debris from a Chinese rocket re-entering the atmosphere.
At 9.55pm, a dazzling streak of light was seen travelling across the night sky from Andalucía, Murcia and the Valencian Community to the Balearic Islands. The sight caused excitement among stargazers, many of whom assumed it was linked to the annual Perseids.
However, astronomers soon identified it as the remains of China’s Jielong-3 rocket, launched earlier that same day.
The confirmation came from astronomer Jonathan McDowell, whose assessment was supported by the Fireball and Meteorite Research Network (SPMN) of the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC). Science communicator Josep Calatayud from the Mission Control platform explained that the fact it was space debris accounts for the magnitude and intensity of the flashes seen across such a wide area.
According to the Astrohita Foundation, which operates at the La Hita Astronomical Complex in Toledo, the rocket fragments entered the atmosphere at 9:55 p.m. The fiery spectacle was captured by detectors operated by the Southwest European Fireball and Meteor Network (SWEMN).
The debris path began above the Valencian town of Jarafuel, moved southwest over the province of Albacete, and ended in a brilliant explosion above Los Arejos in the municipality of Águilas in Murcia.
The object travelled roughly 182 kilometres through the atmosphere before completely disintegrating, producing flashes bright enough to be seen from more than 600 kilometres away.
Although fragments of space debris frequently burn up on re-entry, experts warn that such events can pose risks to other space operations or, in rare cases, to people and property on the ground if any pieces survive the descent.
This unexpected spectacle may not have been a Perseid but it was no less remarkable, giving onlookers across eastern Spain a rare glimpse of a Chinese rocket’s fiery final moments.
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Image: Archive
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Casas del Puente 3, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain, 30397Tel: +34 623 140 902
The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages
Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.
Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.
At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.
The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.
By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.
To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with 
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.
The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.
What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.
This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.
But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.
This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.
Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.
