FUKUOKA – Observatories and other bodies received a number of reports of a fireball-like object in the skies over western Japan on Monday night, with experts saying it was likely a bolide — a very bright shooting star.

Hoshi no Bunkakan in Fukuoka Prefecture, one of the biggest observatories in Kyushu, recorded at least one report from a female eyewitness, while other observatories in Fukuoka, Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures received similar reports.

Hidehiko Agata, an associate professor at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, said after watching video footage that it was “highly likely” to have been a bolide.

“Since it was early evening and fine weather, favorable conditions were there for many to witness it,” he said. SOURCE: http://goo.gl/JHAOOd