ESA cameras in Cáceres record a spectacular fireball lighting up the skies over Spain and Portugal. Credit : Youtube – ESA Extras
A breathtaking flash of light tore across the skies of Spain and Portugal on Sunday, November 2, lighting up the night and stunning anyone lucky enough to be looking up.
The spectacular moment was caught on camera by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) meteor detection station in Cáceres, confirming what witnesses across the Iberian Peninsula had already seen – a huge fireball blazing through the atmosphere – Scroll down to see the video at the end of this article.
At exactly 20:41 CET, ESA’s AMS82 station, located in Casas de Millán (Cáceres, Spain), captured the event. The monitoring site forms part of ESA’s Planetary Defence Office and the AllSky7 network, which keeps an eye on meteors and bolides across Europe.
According to ESA, the brilliant object was travelling northwest over Portugal when it appeared about 97 kilometres above Lousã (Castelo Branco). Moments later, it disintegrated around 43 kilometres above Amiosinho (Coimbra). In that short journey, the meteor covered roughly 80 kilometres, travelling at an incredible 81,000 kilometres per hour before it vanished in a blinding flash.
Scientists later confirmed the object wasn’t detected before entering Earth’s atmosphere, meaning the fireball came as a complete surprise — a rare but thrilling reminder of how unpredictable space can be.
Scientists say it came from a comet
Experts from the Southwestern Europe Meteor Network (SWEMN – IAA-CSIC) have been analysing the footage and believe the fireball originated from a comet.
When it entered Earth’s atmosphere, the rock’s surface heated up to several thousand degrees Celsius, creating that intense glowing trail known as a bolide. Just seconds later, it exploded mid-air, producing an extraordinary burst of light caused by the rock fracturing under pressure.
The brief explosion was visible from large parts of western Iberia – a flash bright enough to be mistaken for lightning, but with a steady glow that confirmed its cosmic origin.
“It’s that split-second rupture that makes a fireball so dramatic,” explained scientists involved in the study. “When the rock breaks apart, the energy release is immense – that’s why it appears to flare so suddenly before vanishing.”
While such events aren’t uncommon, capturing one this clearly is rare, and each new sighting provides astronomers with valuable data on how small celestial bodies behave when they collide with our atmosphere.
Two meteors, one incredible night
As it turns out, Sunday’s fireball wasn’t the only visitor from space that night. About an hour earlier, at 19:42 CET, another meteor had also lit up the Iberian sky for around eight to ten seconds — long enough for people to grab their phones and share the sight online.
Despite the close timing, scientists have made it clear that the two meteors were unrelated. Each followed a completely different trajectory, suggesting they came from separate origins.
For amateur astronomers and night-sky enthusiasts, the back-to-back celestial displays made for an unforgettable evening. Both fireballs drew attention on social media, with witnesses describing a sudden flash “as bright as the moon” followed by a trail that faded within seconds.
ESA’s Planetary Defence Office later confirmed that the Cáceres station recorded both events, providing key footage that will help refine data on meteor paths and potential entry patterns for future objects.
A reminder of how alive the night sky really is
Events like this serve as a vivid reminder that our planet is constantly crossing paths with small pieces of space debris — most of which burn up harmlessly before reaching the ground. Still, for scientists, each fireball is a treasure trove of information about our solar system’s dynamic environment.
Even though no fragments are believed to have survived Sunday’s entry, experts say the data collected will help refine existing models of meteor frequency, composition and origin.
For the rest of us, it was simply a stunning natural show – the kind that makes you look up and feel small in the best possible way.
As the light faded from the Iberian night sky, the silence that followed carried its own sense of awe. For just a few seconds, the heavens had flared with fire, and ESA’s cameras in Cáceres were there to catch every brilliant moment.
A tragic bus crash in Stockholm has claimed several lives and left others seriously injured after a double-decker city bus slammed into a crowded bus stop on Valhallavägen in the Östermalm district.
The incident occurred at approximately 3.23pm local time on Friday November 14, near the KTH Royal Institute of Technology during afternoon rush hour.
Driver arrested, manslaughter probe launched
Swedish police confirmed the bus driver has been arrested and is being held for questioning. Spokesperson Nadya Norton stated a manslaughter investigation has been opened as standard procedure. Authorities expressed that no evidence suggests a deliberate attack, with early reports from Expressen indicating the driver may have suffered a medical episode, though this information remains unconfirmed. The bus was not in service and carried no passengers, meaning all victims were pedestrians waiting at the shelter.
Casualties: At least 3 dead, multiple injured
While police have not released official casualty figures, Expressen reports at least three fatalities. Stockholm rescue services confirmed six total casualties, including two with serious injuries transported to Karolinska University Hospital. Rescue crews worked urgently to free individuals trapped beneath the bus, with images showing a flattened shelter and emergency teams on site.
Eyewitness horror: “It mowed down the entire queue”
A woman told Expressen: “The bus mowed down an entire bus stop queue. People were screaming, trying to help the injured—dead bodies lay on the ground. There must have been more under the bus.”
Another witness told SVT: “Several people ran into my shop crying after the bus hit a pole in front of the shelter.” A nurse described the scene as “unreal—like dolls amid the chaos.”
Emergency response and traffic chaos
A massive emergency operation involving ambulances, fire crews, and police cordoned off the area between the bus stop and a nearby metro station. Valhallavägen remained blocked for hours, severely disrupting rush-hour traffic. Stockholm’s public transport agency SL confirmed the incident but provided no updates on service impacts.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson posted on X: “I have received the tragic news that several people have died… perhaps on their way home to family, friends, or a quiet evening at home. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch wrote on X: “Devastated by the terrible news that people have lost their lives.”
The investigation continues into potential causes—including mechanical failure, driver error, or health issues. More details are expected as authorities release updates.
FUENGIROLA is set to shine even brighter thanks to a major investment in street cleaning. The town hall has announced a €375,000 upgrade to its cleaning resources, aimed at keeping public spaces spotless for residents and visitors.
Leading the improvements is a new street sweeper, supported by two light vans and 30 electric hand-carts. Each cart is equipped with separate compartments for different types of waste, making it easier for staff to work efficiently while supporting the town’s eco-friendly initiatives. Costing around €2,400 each, the carts are designed to reduce physical strain on workers while boosting productivity.
Mayor Ana Mula emphasised the importance of clean streets for the community. “Clean streets are key not just for tourists, but for everyone who calls Fuengirola home,” she said, highlighting the council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment.
New recycling points in busy areas
The upgrades extend beyond new equipment. With €67,956 in support from the Malaga Council, the council has installed 15 new waste‑container “islands” for paper and cardboard in high-traffic areas, including Av. de las Salinas, Plaza González Anaya and Av. Jesús Cautivo. These new recycling points aim to make it easier for residents and visitors to dispose of waste responsibly.
The initiative is part of a wider strategy to improve the town’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability. By combining modern equipment with better waste‑collection infrastructure, Fuengirola is making daily life tidier and more pleasant for everyone.
Council officials say the upgrades will allow cleaning teams to cover more ground efficiently, ensuring streets remain bright and attractive throughout the year. The measures also demonstrate the town’s focus on supporting staff with ergonomic and environmentally friendly tools, reflecting a balance of practical needs and green priorities.
With these enhancements in place, Fuengirola is set to reinforce its reputation as a clean, welcoming coastal town. Residents and visitors can expect safer, more attractive streets and a stronger sense of civic pride.
STELVIS, one of the Costa del Sol’s top Elvis tribute acts, takes to the stage this Saturday, November 15, for A Night with Stelvis at Marlows Kitchen.
Guests can enjoy an evening of entertainment, great food, and classic rock ’n’ roll vibes at the popular fish and chip restaurant in Centro Comercial Eroski, Los Hidalgos, Manilva.
The night begins with a glass of cava and a sharing tapas plate on arrival, setting the scene for an evening full of music and celebration. The event continues with a main course and dessert, with the full menu available on Marlows Kitchen’s Facebook page. Tickets are priced at €32 per person, and bookings are already filling fast.
Stelvis has earned a reputation for bringing the spirit of Elvis Presley to life. With authentic vocals, signature moves, and a stage presence that channels the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Stelvis has entertained audiences across the Costa del Sol for years. One fan said: “His music is incredible and gets everyone rocking. It’s like stepping back into the golden era of rock ’n’ roll.”
Fans can expect to sing, dance, and relive the golden era of rock, with hits spanning Presley’s greatest decades. The combination of lively entertainment, delicious food, and a party atmosphere makes this a perfect night out for locals and visitors alike.
Marlows, originally known for its fish and chips, has expanded its menu and entertainment offerings in recent months. The Stelvis show follows a social media teaser hinting at big things at Marlows: “There is more to Marlows than just great fish and chips! Lots of great things are happening…coming your way soon,” the Facebook post stated. The restaurant seems set to become a regular destination for live music and events on the Costa del Sol.
Limited spaces are left and can be booked by calling +34 951 27 67 28.