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Did a bright meteor crash to earth close to Ashbourne last night? STOCK PHOTO
The News Telegraph has been contacted by reader Michelle Brooks to find out if anyone else saw a possible meteorite crash to earth last night.

Michelle said she saw a bright, fast moving fireball streak across the night skies close to Waterhouses.

She said: "It happened about 11.20pm.

"My front room window faces directly North and I guess the position was NNE .

"t was low and the 'ball' disappeared behind a rooftop the tail disappeared very quickly as normal.

"From my perspective I'd say it was football sized not a tiny pin prick we usually see.

"It was also very low indeed, not far from horizon when it disappeared from my view behind a rooftop in the distance."

Astronomer Patrick Poitevin said it was very possible she did indeed see a meteorite.

He said: "Interesting .... Quite a good and accurate description.

"Fireballs do appear quite often, and are observed now and then.

"I did not get any notification as such bright fireball has been observed. But that is not necessary a negative comment. It was late at night, nearly midnight, and most working people are in bed or cuddled up on the sofa.

"It was a rather clear night though, with moving lower but heavy clouds now and then.

"If indeed it was a fireball, and out of the description it disappeared behind the rooftop, it was in North direction and it is a football size, that makes all sense.

"So, in short, I do believe the person observed a very bright fireball!

"Lucky and happy person I would say.

"Such bright appearances do not happen that often and you need to be lucky to see.

"The person can make a bright big wish."

A meteorite is a solid piece of debris from a source such as an asteroid or a comet, which originates in outer space and survives its impact with the Earth's surface.

It is called a meteoroid before its impact.