Probable comet fragment or meteor burns bright across Australian sky

Richard Bruinsma
Sunshine Coast Daily
Mon, 05 Aug 2013 21:20 UTC

© Willem Bruinsma

Willem Bruinsma snapped this burning light in the sky at Noosa National Park.

Experts believe a mysterious bright light in the sky north of Noosa was probably caused by the sun's light on a jet's contrail.

The phenomenon appeared to be soaring across the sky for at least 20 minutes, just after sunset on Sunday.

Owen Bennedick, of Wappa Falls Observatory, said it was likely to be an atmospheric event, as a meteor usually lasted a maximum five seconds.

He added that the presence of any comets at the time would have been well documented.

Comment:

Owen Bennedick, of Wappa Falls Observatory, said it was likely to be an atmospheric event, as a meteor usually lasted a maximum five seconds.

Presumably they meant to write 'unlikely'. Mr Bennedick ought to study the behaviour of fireballs and meteors - they can remain visible in the sky for hours.

He added that the presence of any comets at the time would have been well documented.

Comets, fireballs, and meteors, far from being 'well-documented', are largely ignored.