Fireballs

Fireballs are luminous spheres of burning material. In everyday language the term can refer to a natural atmospheric phenomenon or to a man-made object or effect. The common element is a self-luminous, incandescent ball that travels through air or, in some contexts, appears to do so.

Natural phenomena: Fireballs most often describe bright meteors that enter Earth's atmosphere, known as bolides or fireball meteors. These objects are typically fast-moving and may be visible over large distances. Some fireballs explode in the sky, creating an airburst, bright flash, and sometimes sonic booms. Ground impacts are rare and can cause cratering or fires depending on material and energy.

Man-made uses: Fireballs can result from combustion or chemical reactions. They are produced by incendiary devices, Molotov cocktails, gasoline jets, or specialized fireworks such as fireballs. In controlled settings, a laminar jet flame or a fountain fireball is used in performances and stage effects. The term also appears in popular culture as a fictional spell or weapon, notably in fantasy role-playing games and video games, where a ball of fire is projected and detonates on impact.

Safety and hazards: Fire poses a major risk; fireballs can ignite flammable materials, cause burns, or start wildfires. Meteors generally pose no threat to people on the ground, though large bolides can cause damage if they reach the surface.