NUFORC Sighting 22791

Occurred: 2002-05-09 16:15 Local
Reported: 2002-05-10 19:55 Pacific
Duration: 3 SECONDS
No of observers: 1

Location: Vernon Hills, IL, USA

Shape: Flash
Characteristics: Left a trail

STREAK OF FIRE IN AFTERNOON SKY.

I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON ILLINOIS 21 (MILWAUKEE AVE.) JUST SOUTH OF ILLINOIS 60.

DRIVING ALONG, I SUDDENLY NOTICED WHAT I FIRST THOUGHT WAS A FLAIR IN THE SKY DIRECTLY OVER A RETIREMENT HOME ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY.

IN AN INSTANT, I REALIZED THIS WAS NOT A FLAIR. IT WAS A STREAK OF FIRE IN THE SKY MOVING STRAIGHT DOWN, AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED THAT A FLAIR MOVES. AFTER A SECOND OR TWO, THE STREAK ENDED, AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN SMALL FIRE-LIKE FLASH AT THE SPOT THAT THE STREAK ENDED.

THAT IS ALL THERE WAS TO IT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT IS COULD HAVE BEEN SPACE JUNK RETURNING TO EARTH, OR PERHAPS A METEORITE. MY QUESTION IS DID ANYONE ELSE WITNESS THIS INCIDENT, OR TRACK IT ON RADAR?

Posted 2002-05-14