Dozens of Kiwis have reported seeing a fireball travelling across the top of the North Island, with some even hearing a "huge boom".
A fireball camera hosted by the Hamilton Astronomical Society captured a meteor at 10:41pm on Saturday. Professor James Scott from Otago University's Department of Geology said he's heard a few people saw the meteor.
He told the NZ Herald it was seen across the top of the North Island and there was a "sonic boom" that was heard by several people.
Members of the public quickly reported their sightings to WeatherWatch, which collects eyewitness accounts of meteors. The spectacle lasted only a few seconds, according to their reports, and was coloured red, orange, and green.
"Thought it was fireworks because of all the many colours, especially red, green and white I think, and almost like a massive sparkling ball with things shooting out from it," one person wrote. "Heart rate went up because I was waiting for an almighty explosion if it hit the Earth, thought it was the end for us all."
Another person said they did hear a "huge boom" a few minutes after they saw the huge light blaze through the sky.
"I just saw a red trail in the sky over Glen Eden. It only lasted a second. Thicker than a falling star and silent," a third person said.
One person who saw the fireball from Torbay on Auckland's North Shore said this was one of the better sightings they've had of a meteor.
"Bits and pieces seemed to be breaking off it as it headed north," they wrote.
Another said the meteor felt "very, very close".
"It was in the sky for about three seconds, changing colour and leaving a streak before burning out. It was awesome," they said.
