A shimmering meteor was spotted streaking across the sky above the iconic Gateway Arch in Missouri, just hours before crowds gathered for a New Year’s Eve celebration at the monument’s base.
“HEY LOOK, it’s. A meteor saying hi to the Gateway Arch on New Year’s Eve!” read a post from the St. Louis Gateway Arch’s official X account, sharing a breathtaking video of the celestial event.
In the six-second clip, a tiny white speck appears above one side of the arch before blossoming into a vibrant green blaze. The meteor pulses once, illuminating the predawn sky, and then disappears into darkness just as it nears the arch’s peak.
This viral moment was captured by an Earth Cam positioned at Malcolm Martin Memorial Park in East St. Louis. The camera, directed at the city’s skyline 24/7, was perfectly placed to record this spectacular phenomenon.
Meteorologist Angela Hutti told Fox 2 Now that the green spark was likely caused by a meteor burning up as it entered Earth’s atmosphere. “There are different names based on where the object is at,” Hutti explained. “When it is in space, it is called a meteoroid. As it enters Earth’s atmosphere and begins to burn, as seen in the video, it is a meteor. NASA says if it survives passage through the atmosphere and strikes the ground, it’s classified as a meteorite.”
She also noted that the same event is commonly known for producing shooting stars.
Viewers were stunned by the meteor’s seemingly perfect timing, likening it to a final interstellar treat before the new year. “One last hello from the universe before the calendar flips. Even the Arch showed up for New Year’s Eve,” commented one user.
St. Louis marks the end of each year with its annual Winterfest celebration in the shadow of the Gateway Arch. The New Year’s Eve event, called “Neon Nights,” is designed especially for kids, offering entertainment for families as adults prepare for evening festivities.
For skywatchers, the celestial excitement isn’t over yet. The Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak in Missouri between January 3 and 4, offering another chance to witness meteors lighting up the night.
https://nypost.com/2025/12/31/us-news/meteor-streaks-over-st-louis-gateway-arch-on-new-years-eve/
