News Summary
A spectacular meteorite fireball was observed soaring through the skies of South Carolina and Georgia, with over 160 sightings reported. The meteor, traveling at an incredible speed of 30,000 miles per hour, exploded over Georgia, releasing energy comparable to 20 tons of TNT. Reports also indicated potential debris from the meteor crashing into a home, prompting investigations by local authorities and NASA. This incident ties into the Beta Taurid meteor shower, sparking excitement among astronomers and the public alike.
Greenville, SC – A spectacular meteorite fireball illuminated the skies over South Carolina and Georgia on Thursday afternoon, drawing attention as residents reported sightings. The American Meteor Society recorded over 160 reports of the phenomenon occurring at 12:25 p.m. ET, marking a significant event for both meteor enthusiasts and casual observers.
The meteor was first detected at an altitude of 48 miles above Oxford, Georgia, traveling southwest at an extraordinary speed of 30,000 miles per hour. NASA’s Bill Cooke confirmed that the fireball exploded approximately 27 miles above West Forest, Georgia, releasing energy comparable to about 20 tons of TNT. This vibrant fireball was estimated to be about 3 feet in diameter and weighed over 2,000 pounds.
Among those who witnessed the event was David Pepper, a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, who recorded the fireball on video. He noted the intensity and unusual occurrence of the bright fireball during the day, which he had never encountered before. Kierra Frazier also captured footage while driving on Interstate 85 in Anderson County, adding to the evidence of the meteor’s spectacular passage through the skies.
The streak of light was not only seen in South Carolina and Georgia; reports came in from viewers in Tennessee as well, indicating a wide observation area. The National Weather Service employed satellite-based lightning detection technology, capturing streaks linked to the fireball between 12:51 and 12:56 p.m. The NOAA Satellite & Information Service also confirmed the event through their Geostationary Lightning Mapper.
As a result of the fireball’s impact, officials in Georgia responded to a report of debris from the meteor crashing through the roof of a house. Henry County Emergency Management stated that the incident did not cause injuries, and the object may be either a fragment of the meteor or space junk. Meanwhile, Anderson County fire departments have commenced searches for possible crash sites in the Upstate area, aiming to locate any remnants from the event.
NASA, alongside local authorities, is currently analyzing fall data collected from five different radars concerning the meteor. This investigative effort is crucial for determining the exact nature and origin of any debris that might have reached the ground.
The meteor is potentially connected to the Beta Taurid meteor shower, which is active from late June to early July, with a notable peak around June 25. This meteor shower is known for producing bright meteors, making it a fitting context for Thursday’s mid-day spectacle.
The unusual sighting has ignited excitement among astronomers and the public alike, highlighting the continued interest in celestial events. As investigations proceed, experts hope to gather further insights about this striking meteor event and any possible impact fragments that may have landed in the region.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our atmosphere and the events that can unfold within it, prompting curiosity and admiration for the wonders of the universe.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Meteor Fireball Dazzles Southeastern Skies
South Carolina Witnesses Mysterious Fireball in the Sky
Meteorite Sighting Investigation Underway in Georgia
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Meteor
- WYFF4
- Google Search: South Carolina fireball meteor
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: Meteor Events
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fireball
- WMBF News
- Google News: Meteor Fireball Sightings
- Newsweek
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
