PhilSA debunks alleged 'meteor shower' in Visayas, Mindanao

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said that an alleged “meteor shower” sighted early morning on Wednesday was not of astronomical origin.

In a statement on Wednesday, PhilSA claimed that the objects looked similar to previous records of “space debris reentry events” of objects such as defunct rocket stages or satellites.

“The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms that the objects seen in the videos are not consistent with meteor showers and are likely not of astronomical origin nor can be attributed to rocket launch debris,” PhilSA said.

The statement was issued following reports of alleged “meteor showers” seen by the naked eye in parts of Mindanao and Eastern Visayas around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday.

PhilSA advised the public to alert authorities should they come upon the said debris on land and not to touch them.

“PhilSA further cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials, as these may pose potential health and safety risks,” the advisory warned.

Based on PAGASA’s December Astronomical calendar, the only meteor showers expected for the month are the Geminids on December 4 to 17 with peak activity on December 14, and the Ursid Meteor Shower from December 17 to 26 with peak activity on December 22. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News