NASA Reveals the Nature of ‘Fireball’ Observed over the Southeast
NASA confirmed a meteor entered Earth’s atmosphere over Georgia on June 26, creating a spectacular midday fireball visible across multiple states. The three-foot-wide space rock traveled at 30,000 mph before disintegrating 27 miles above West Forest, releasing energy equivalent to 20 tons of TNT.
The event generated powerful shockwaves that rattled windows and caused ground vibrations mistaken by some for earthquakes. NOAA’s lightning-detection satellites captured the event, while Doppler radar tracked falling debris from the disintegrating meteor.
In McDonough, Georgia, a resident reported a rock pierced their roof and cracked their floor, though officials haven’t confirmed it as meteorite-related. Radar also detected possible debris near a Home Depot distribution center along Highway 20.
Over 100 eyewitness reports flooded the American Meteor Society from Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Many described a brilliant fireball visible in daylight, followed by loud booms and tremors. Doorbell and dashcam footage across the region captured the dramatic event.
Emory University astrophysicist Alissa Bans identified it as a rare bolide – an exploding meteor originating from asteroid material. She noted such bright fireballs only occur a few times annually, with most space rocks burning up harmlessly in the atmosphere.
Authorities continue investigating potential impact sites, including one in Anderson County, South Carolina. No injuries have been reported from the event, which NASA estimates was caused by a meteor weighing over a ton before disintegration.
While scientists work to determine the meteor’s cosmic origins, the spectacular event provided a rare astronomical show for southeastern residents, with many sharing their awe on social media. The USGS confirmed the tremors resulted from a sonic boom, not seismic activity.
