Recently, stargazers and skywatchers have shared wild videos of so-called ‘double fireballs’ streaking across the night sky. These viral clips captured the imagination of astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. However, experts now reveal that these ‘double fireballs’ are not a new cosmic event, but rather a clever trick of light caused by camera equipment.
What Really Happened?
In many of these videos, viewers noticed two bright, parallel streaks racing through the atmosphere. The explanation is simpler than it seems. Many cameras, especially those on smartphones, can create ghost images or reflections when filming very bright objects like meteors. This effect, called ‘lens flare’ or ‘internal reflection,’ tricks our eyes into thinking we’re seeing two meteors when there was actually only one.
Expert Insights on Meteor Showers
During meteor showers, it’s common for people to record the sky in hopes of catching a rare event. But as these ‘double fireball’ videos show, not everything captured by a camera matches what happens in the sky. Astronomers encourage stargazers to keep recording but also advise understanding how equipment can influence what you see.
