San Diegans Report Bright Mystery Flash in Skies

According to astronomy sources, the Taurids meteor shower is currently active, and likely explains the flashes

San Diego residents reported seeing a bright, mysterious flash in the skies Wednesday night visible across the county.

One resident told NBC 7 San Diego he saw a “bright flash” in the sky just before 8 p.m. southeast of downtown San Diego.

Another San Diegan reported seeing a “crazy flash” over the skies east of Ramona, while a Chula Vista resident said he saw a “huge flash of light in the sky,” possibly coming from the San Ysidro area.

Residents in Spring Valley, El Cajon, Lakeside, Vista, Lemon Grove, San Marcos, Poway, Clairemont, National City and other communities also reported the flash.

Multiple NBC 7 viewers suggested the flash may have been a shooting star.

No explosions, downed aircraft or power outages were immediately reported in the county.

As of 8:15 p.m., San Diego lifeguards, the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department confirmed their respective agencies had not received any type of emergency calls that might explain the flash.

According to a meteor showers calendar compiled by the American Meteor Society, the Northern Taurids meteor shower is active from Oct. 19 to Dec. 13 this year, with the peak night between Nov. 12 and Nov. 13.

When simultaneously active with Southern Taurids, there could be a "notable increase in fireball activity" in the skies, according to the American Meteor Society.

According to Space.com, the annual minor Taurid meteor shower peaked Tuesday night and will be visible through Nov. 12.

"If you happen to catch a glimpse of a bright yellow-orange or ruddy hued 'shooting star,' you might have just seen a Taurid meteor," the website says.

In addition, the American Meteor Society says Leonids meteor storms are also currently active from Nov. 5 to Nov. 30.

KNBC reported that viewers saw "fireballs" and "exploding stars" in Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.

Did you see the flash in the skies?

Contact Us