Stunning meteor lights up California sky

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A streaking fireball lit up California skies and stunned stargazers on Wednesday night, and professional observers say more meteors are on the way.

The exploding streak was visible over the San Francisco Bay area and other parts of Northern California, and there were also reports of a loud boom.

"It looked like a plane crash or rocket," said Philip Terzian, an amateur astronomer who happened to photograph the meteor while atop a ridge around Palo Alto.

Mr Terzian had gathered there with a group of other astronomy enthusiasts.