Short, bright fireballs are cutting across Costa Rica’s night sky this week. The best chance to see them is between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, from dark, open locations with minimal light pollution.

What is a bolide

A bolide is an exceptionally bright meteor produced when a larger fragment of cometary or asteroidal material enters Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and incandesces. Unlike common “shooting stars,” bolides can rival Venus in brightness, last several seconds, fragment mid‑flight, and sometimes leave a faint, lingering train.

• Brightness: Often negative magnitude, bright enough to cast shadows.
• Color: Sodium yields yellow, magnesium green, iron white‑blue; mixed spectra can look orange or teal.
• Duration: Meteors: fractions of a second. Bolides: up to several seconds with possible persistent trains.

When and how to watch

Expect sporadic activity, with the week’s best viewing window between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on the night spanning Tuesday to Wednesday. No telescope is needed—your eyes are the most effective tool once adapted to darkness.

• Timing: Midnight to pre‑dawn offers the highest rates as the radiant is higher and your location faces the incoming stream.
• Sky conditions: Dark, clear skies with low humidity and minimal moonlight increase contrast.
• Dark adaptation: 20–30 minutes without bright screens; use a dim red light if necessary.
• Where to look: Scan the whole sky. Bolides can appear in any direction and often far from the radiant.

Tip: Brief gaps between thin clouds can still reveal bright bolides. Be patient and keep scanning.

Where to find dark skies in Costa Rica

Choose safe, accessible places with open horizons and low light pollution. Always respect closing hours and local regulations; coordinate with private landowners or certified guides for night access when required.

• Highlands and rural valleys: Higher elevation often means steadier, drier air before dawn.
• Northern Guanacaste and remote coasts: Lower population density yields darker horizons.
• Countryside near the Central Valley: Short travel times to dark pockets; verify road safety and vantage points.
• Lodges and reserves with astro‑friendly policies: Designated viewing areas and controlled lighting support better visibility.