Observatories and other bodies received a number of reports of a fireball-like object in the skies over western Japan on Monday night, with experts saying it was likely a bolide — a very bright shooting star.
Hoshi no Bunkakan in Fukuoka Prefecture, one of the biggest observatories in Kyushu, recorded at least one report from a female eyewitness, while other observatories in Fukuoka, Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures received similar reports.
The sightings also created a buzz on the Internet.
Hidehiko Agata, an associate professor at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, said after watching video footage that it was "highly likely" to have been a bolide.
"Since it was early evening and fine weather, favorable conditions were there for many to witness it," he said.
