The dramatic event was captured by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology while the volcano was actively erupting. Footage showed a bright object descending toward Mayon’s northern slopes before exploding in a flash of light. Initial reports suggested the object may have struck the volcano directly. 

However, after reviewing seismic, infrasound, and camera data, officials concluded that the object most likely disintegrated in the atmosphere just moments before impact. 

According to reports, the glowing object approached from a direction unrelated to the volcanic eruption itself. Many believe it may have been a meteor, yet questions remain. If it truly was a meteor exploding in the atmosphere, it is unusual that there has been little mention of any shockwave damage on the ground, similar to what occurred during the famous Chelyabinsk meteor event.