Light show last night

Erica Thompson

May 17, 2006

NO, you weren't seeing things.

Residents of Queensland and northern NSW were treated to a spectacular light show last night when a mysterious green light, believed to be a meteorite, streaked across the sky.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman David Gray said it was spotted over Brisbane's bay area and the city just after 6pm.

"It was sighted from our traffic control tower and a number of aircraft in the area," he said.

"The reports we have been getting suggest it appears to be a green flarey type of material."

Residents from the Gold and Sunshine coasts and even northern NSW also reported sightings.

"It could be a meteorite or space junk," Mr Gray said.

"We have no idea what it is."

It is believed the object came to rest in Warwick, on the Darling Downs, a short time later after police initially received reports of a plane crash.

A police spokeswoman said a farmer had raised the alarm after seeing a "giant fireball" on his property, but no fire was found despite an extensive search.

Peter Hall, of the Queensland Astrological Association, said it was most likely a meteorite