'Quite a light show': NASA astronaut snaps atmospheric fireball as Russian rocket explodes over West Africa

NASA astronaut Chris Williams captured stunning images and a video of a fiery spectacle as a Russian rocket reentered Earth's atmosphere over West Africa on April 27, 2026. The striking photos were taken from the International Space Station's cupola, where Williams observed the space debris burning up in the nighttime sky. Williams noted that the bright object he saw was actually the remnants of the Russian Soyuz rocket, which had launched the Progress 95 cargo spacecraft into orbit.

As the rocket's fairings and booster fell back toward Earth, they broke apart into smaller pieces, which were heated and vaporized by friction in the upper atmosphere. While Williams initially believed he had witnessed orbital debris or a satellite breaking up, it was later confirmed that the fireball was caused by the Soyuz rocket.

This event is not uncommon, as the number of human-made objects orbiting Earth has increased significantly in recent decades. The remains of spacecraft burn up at an altitude of around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth's surface, creating visually stunning fireballs. However, scientists are now concerned that these fireballs may be contributing to atmospheric metal pollution, potentially affecting the ozone layer and Earth's magnetic field.