A Fiery Spectacle: Train of Fireballs Seen Across India

Last night, the skies over Northern India were illuminated by a breathtaking phenomenon: a 'train of fireballs'. The event, observed by residents in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Dwarka, and Aligarh, occurred around 19:50–20:00 UTC.

The bright fireballs, which produced multiple glowing fragments before fading, are believed to be the result of a space debris re-entry. Specifically, the timing aligns with the predicted re-entry of the CZ-3B r/B (NORAD 61188) rocket body. According to reports from The Aerospace Corporation, this object was expected to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere within a four-hour window around 16:45 UTC on September 19, 2025.

While the sight of burning space debris might evoke concern, it's a natural process of objects returning to Earth after completing their missions. In many cases, such re-entries are preferable to the alternative of leaving defunct hardware to clutter low Earth orbit, potentially posing a risk to active satellites.

This event serves as a stark visual reminder of humanity's ongoing activity in space and the natural cycle of its celestial endeavors.