Astronomers say bright lights in the sky and noises like thunder observed over much of Kentucky were meteors.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that after the reports came in from people in Kentucky and Texas late Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration cautioned pilots to beware of satellite debris, but the advisory was quickly withdrawn.

FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said it was a natural phenomenon.

University of Kentucky astronomy professor Tom Troland told the newspaper meteors are seen routinely and are occasionally very bright and cause a noise much like a sonic boom.

The Web site SpaceWeather.com reported three meteors were seen burning up over Italy hours before the streaks of light were seen over Kentucky.