Surge in Large Fireball Events Linked to Anthelion Source

Recent data from the American Meteor Society (AMS) indicates a notable rise in large fireball events during the first quarter of 2026.

AMS Operations Manager Mike Hankey analyzed the organization's fireball database, computing radiants for 255 events. The findings show that the increase is concentrated around the Anthelion source—a region of the sky directly opposite the Sun. Objects from this direction travel on orbits similar to Earth's, entering the atmosphere at relatively low speeds. This slower entry results in longer-lasting fireballs visible over wider areas, more frequent sonic booms, and a higher likelihood of meteorite material reaching the ground.

This pattern aligns with recent events, including two rare HED achondrite meteorite falls in Germany and Ohio within nine days. HED achondrites are linked to the asteroid Vesta and provide valuable insights into the early solar system.

Hankey has published the full dataset, including interactive charts and downloadable records, for independent review. He encourages the public to report fireball sightings, emphasizing that every report contributes to the understanding of these events.