San Nicolas, Aruba – July 15, 2024

Residents of Aruba experienced an extraordinary celestial event on the night of July 13, 2024. At exactly 7:50 PM, a meteor fireball illuminated the skies, captivating the community and sparking widespread curiosity and speculation.

Aruba Astro Research International (AARI), the nation’s official astronomy and ufology association, led by President Marcos Bislip, quickly responded to the event. Bislip, an expert in astronomy, ufology, parapsychology, and various forms of scientific analysis, confirmed the occurrence through a formal press release.

“A meteor fireball, known locally as ‘bola di candela,’ entered and burned up in our atmosphere,” Bislip explained. “This phenomenon is caused by a larger-than-normal fragment of a comet, which ignites upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a spectacular visual display.”

Initially, there was confusion among the public, with many speculating that the bright light might have been an asteroid or one of the 20 Starlink satellites. However, thorough investigations by AARI and their observation center, Aruba Time & Space Observation Center (ATSOC), clarified the situation. The experts analyzed data and video footage from various parts of Aruba and neighboring Curaçao, along with ATSOC’s own SkyCam recordings. Their conclusion: the spectacle was indeed a meteor fireball.

Bislip noted that their analysis also included cross-referencing recent asteroid activity. The asteroids 2024 NG and 2024 NB2 had passed Earth at a safe distance of 3 million kilometers and did not enter our atmosphere. Similarly, the re-entry of the 20 Starlink satellites was ruled out as the cause, following a SpaceX Falcon 9 failure earlier that week which prevented their planned atmospheric entry.

“Our findings confirmed that the meteor fireball comprised various chemical elements, including sodium (orange), iron (yellow), magnesium (green), and copper (blue),” Bislip detailed. “These components provide definitive evidence of the object’s origin and its fiery demise in our atmosphere.”

The event mirrored a similar occurrence in Wisconsin, USA, earlier that same week, suggesting a broader pattern of meteor fireball activity.

AARI and ATSOC remain vigilant, equipped with advanced technology to detect and analyze such phenomena. Their monitoring capabilities enable them to distinguish between natural celestial events and man-made objects re-entering the atmosphere.

“We have sophisticated equipment to investigate potential meteor remnants that may fall to Earth,” Bislip assured. “Our observation center continuously monitors the sky, ensuring that we can provide accurate and timely information to the public.”

For further information or to report celestial events, AARI encourages the public to contact Marcos Bislip at 5629407 or via email at [email protected]. Updates and additional details can also be found on their Facebook page.

The stunning meteor fireball event not only dazzled those who witnessed it but also highlighted the importance of scientific vigilance and the role of dedicated researchers in unraveling the mysteries of our universe.