Strange glow in New Brunswick night sky sparks citizen science campaign

A strange green glow lit up the night sky over southern New Brunswick during the Perseid meteor shower in early August, and scientists want the public's help in figuring out what it was.

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day website actually features a video today — a time-lapse video that collects images taken on the night of August 11th, 2013, which was the first night of the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. While it does show off some excellent meteors, the highlight of the video actually starts at around 25 seconds in, when a green glow spreads across the sky.

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Unsure about exactly what it is or what's causing it, APOD is hoping that the public can help. They've started up a discussion on their website forum, and they welcome anyone to join in on the investigation. Current ideas range from simple things like aurora, airglow and lightning, to technical issues with the camera used, to light from bioluminescent algae being reflected off clouds as they come in with the tide. It may even have something to do with meteor dust, similar to what happens with noctilucent clouds.

What do you think it is? Comment below and join in APOD's discussion.

(Photo and video courtesy: Kevin Snair/Creative Imagery)

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