Debate about lights streaking across night sky

What was that bright light streaking across the sky Saturday night over Southern California?

Astronomers are saying this is the best showing of the Taurid fireballs since 2005. The explanation, however, turned out to be quite simple. The light emanated from a scheduled test firing of Trident SLBM missile.

A Navy spokesman told The San Diego Union-Tribune the Navy Strategic Systems Programs conducted the missile test in the Pacific Test Range northwest of Los Angeles.

Stargazers are in for a special treat this week as the Taurid meteor shower reaches its peak, producing bright fireballs in the night sky around the world. The light was visible at far off places like Nevada and Arizona.

The Taurid meteor shower is a weak meteor shower, with only 7 to 10 meteors per hour possible, but the Taurids may make up for the amount with their intensity.

The new moon will mean that the sky will be darker, making the Taurids appear even brighter as they glide across the night sky.

Even though the peak will not occur until Wednesday night, people will still be able to see a few in the nights leading up to and following the peak.