When a solid object enters the Earth's atmosphere, it interacts with air molecules, heats up to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, and begins to glow.  The incandescent object is called a meteor. 

Most meteors are produced by incoming microscopic particles of dust left behind by the passage of comets.  Occasionally, a larger object enters the Earth's atmosphere, producing a very bright meteor.  If the meteor is brighter than the planet Venus, it is called a fireball.  A bright fireball will produce meteorites on the ground.

 When there are a sufficient number of eyewitness reports of a fireball, meteoriticists can often determine the location where the resulting meteorite(s) landed and meteorite samples can be recovered.

If you see a fireball, please fill out the fireball report form (click here for form) and mail it to the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory (address on the form) or phone Dick Pugh at (503) 287-6733.