Meteor causes bright light over Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, authorities confirm

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology confirmed that the mysterious light seen in the sky over several regions late Friday was “caused by a meteor burning up in the atmosphere,” reassuring the public that there is no need for concern.

In a statement issued Saturday, the authority said, “Several inquiries were made regarding the light observed in Syria, Turkey, and Iraq, with some believing it to be earthquake lightning.”

The statement clarified that “the light resulted from a meteor burning in the atmosphere,” emphasizing that “no earthquake will occur due to this meteor’s combustion.”

The authority reiterated that “there is no connection between earthquakes and the burning of meteors,” dismissing fears sparked by speculation on social media.

Last night, numerous social media users in Iraq and Syria shared photos and videos of a bright light in the sky. While some speculated it was a meteor strike, others suggested it was caused by an earthquake.

On Sept. 4, a small asteroid, approximately 1 meter (3.2 feet) in diameter, burned up in Earth’s atmosphere over the Philippines near Luzon Island, according to NASA. The object, initially identified as CAQTDL2 and now named 2024 RW1, was discovered earlier in the day by the Catalina Sky Survey. According to the space agency, asteroids of this size are estimated to strike Earth about every two weeks, though they are rarely detected before entering the atmosphere.