NASA shares stunning ISS video of bright object burning through Earth’s Atmosphere

NASA has shared breathtaking visuals of a bright object streaking through Earth’s upper atmosphere, captured from the International Space Station (ISS), leaving social media users amazed by the spectacular “light show”.

The video was recorded on April 27 by NASA astronaut Chris Williams while observing the sky from the ISS Cupola. The glowing object appeared to tear through the atmosphere before splitting into multiple smaller fragments, creating a dramatic fiery trail visible from orbit.

Williams said he initially spotted the phenomenon while trying to view the approaching Progress MS-34 cargo spacecraft over West Africa. He later suggested the object could have been orbital debris or a satellite breaking apart during re-entry.

NASA later clarified that the visuals were not linked to the cargo spacecraft itself, which docked safely as planned. Experts believe the event may have involved a rocket body, satellite debris, or even meteoric material burning up during atmospheric re-entry.

The clip quickly went viral online, with users comparing the scene to “Optimus Prime on the way” from the Transformers franchise, while many described the visuals as “epic” and “unreal”.

NASA noted that astronauts aboard the ISS frequently witness re-entries of space debris, considered among the most stunning sights visible from space.