Bright Objects in the Sky? Nothing to Worry About, Kazakhstan Says

Witnesses in Kazakhstan reported seeing bright objects streaking through the sky late Thursday, prompting defense officials to say that there have been no reported violations of the country’s airspace and that there is no threat to the population. “This phenomenon resembles the debris of spacecraft entering the atmosphere or a meteor shower. Such objects usually burn up in the dense layers of the atmosphere and do not reach the ground,” the Kazakh Ministry of Defense said in a statement. “We ask citizens to remain calm and not spread unconfirmed information. The competent authorities are investigating this phenomenon and will provide an official explanation if necessary,” the ministry said. Videos posted on social media platforms showed clusters of what appeared to be fiery objects over parts of central and northern Kazakhstan, including the capital Astana.