MUSCAT: In a clarification issued following widespread discussions about the sighting, the society said its initial observations suggest the phenomenon was likely a very bright meteor, which produces an intense streak of light as it travels through the atmosphere.

The society stressed that the appearance of a fireball does not necessarily indicate that a meteorite has struck the Earth.

It also explained that such events can be accompanied by a natural sonic boom caused by shock waves generated as the object passes through the atmosphere at high speed.

The Oman Society of Astronomy and Space said it had been closely monitoring discussions surrounding the sighting and urged the public to verify information and avoid speculation or interpretations unsupported by scientific evidence.