Chandigarh: A mysterious bright flash of light illuminated the night sky across several districts of Punjab on Thursday, leaving residents surprised and triggering speculation that it could have been a meteorite or another celestial object.

The phenomenon was reported from Tarn Taran, Pathankot, Amritsar, and nearby areas, with several videos and photographs quickly going viral on social media. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the exact nature of the object.

Bright Flash Captured Across Multiple Districts

According to eyewitnesses, the bright light appeared suddenly for a few seconds before disappearing.

Residents in Tarn Taran said the flash did not resemble lightning or fireworks and was unlike anything they had witnessed before. Similar sightings were reported from Pathankot and Amritsar, where home security cameras also captured the brief illumination in the sky.

The unusual event sparked widespread curiosity, with many people suggesting it could have been a meteorite, although authorities and experts have not confirmed these claims.

Videos Go Viral as Residents Share Experiences

Following the sighting, videos and images flooded social media platforms, with users sharing different perspectives of the bright object.

Some eyewitnesses claimed they saw the light moving rapidly across the sky before it vanished, while others described it as a powerful flash that lasted only a few moments.

In Pathankot, where the phenomenon was reportedly seen around 8:40 p.m., several residents initially mistook it for a large firework.

Rajesh, who was travelling on Mission Road, said, “For a few seconds, it felt as if a powerful light had been switched on, but it vanished the very next instant.”

Could It Be a Meteorite?

The exact cause of the bright flash remains unknown.

Meteorites are fragments of rock or metal from space that survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere and reach the ground. Before reaching the surface, such objects often appear as bright streaks or fireballs due to intense heat generated by atmospheric friction.

While many residents believe Thursday night’s phenomenon may have been a meteorite, experts have not yet verified the claim. Authorities are expected to provide further clarification if any astronomical event is confirmed.