Regarding Fire Balls In Cirebon, Experts Doubt Meteor Related To Fire

JAKARTA The fall of a fireball in Cirebon is still a mystery. Although it is believed to be a meteor by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), this object still needs to be studied further.

Since landing on the evening of Sunday, October 5, this video of the falling fireball has been circulating on social media. Several videos show flames allegedly caused by the impact of the object. However, according to an astronomer, this fire was not related to the blow.

"It could be that (the video circulating) is correct, as the track in the atmosphere appears, but there are doubts such as a fire on the ground," said Deputy Head of Bosscha Observatory Budi Dermawan to VOI on Monday, October 6.

Budi explained that objects originating from the sky can catch fire when passing through the atmosphere. However, some objects can escape the burning process in the atmosphere so that the rest can fall in various places, either land, water, buildings, or even trees.

However, falling meteor events do not always have an impact such as the fire when the impact occurred. For the fire video circulating, Budi believes that the flames are only 'polesan' or added on purpose.

Hazards Of Meteor Falls

Not all celestial bodies that fall are dangerous for humans or their environment, especially meteors. Budi explained that meteors that become meteorites generally cool after a long time. In the end, these meteorites will be like any other rock.

"In general, there is no special danger related to human health and the environment, as is the rock known on Earth. Likewise, there are no special properties that (may) be misunderstood by a number of audiences," explained the astronomer.

However, if this celestial body originates from remnants of an airplane or satellite in orbit, there is a danger that may arise. The reason is, this object is man-made which may have dangerous components for humans or the environment.

Given that the authenticity of this meteor has not been directly verified, Budi said that there is a possibility that the incident object is the remnant of a non-active plane or satellite. To find out, the authorities need to carry out further investigations.

"It is necessary to check the character of the material of the object that is 'burning' and the pattern of fractional distribution of its traces in the atmosphere. Generally, the distribution of meteor fragments is narrower or limited than the distribution of fragments of human-made objects," said Budi.