News Summary
A bright fireball was seen soaring across the sky in the Southeastern United States, reported by numerous witnesses. The National Weather Service confirmed sightings in several states, including South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Eyewitness accounts describe the meteor’s intense brightness and colors, with some concerns regarding noise and potential damage. NASA reported the meteor was traveling at 30,000 mph and disintegrated at 27 miles altitude. This rare daylight occurrence sparked widespread interest and discussion about meteors and their effects.
Atlanta – A large fireball was observed streaking through the sky across the Southeastern United States just after noon on June 26, 2025. Numerous witness reports flood in from locations such as the Lowcountry and Upstate South Carolina, as well as multiple states across the Southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
The National Weather Service in Charleston confirmed substantial sightings of the fireball on their social media channels, indicating that this event did not go unnoticed. The fireball was detected with satellite-based lightning detection systems over the North Carolina/Virginia border between 11:51 a.m. and 11:56 a.m., highlighting its intensity and reach.
The American Meteor Society reported over 140 witness submissions related to this incident within a single afternoon. Of the reports received, approximately 100 were categorized as Major Fireball Events. Eyewitnesses across several South Carolina cities—including Greenwood, Anderson, Clemson, and Simpsonville—described experiencing the fireball’s fiery descent. Observations also came from as far north as Ohio, with reports mentioning a “burning white-hot” appearance and an orange hue.
While the meteor was noted to have caused some worry among residents, especially regarding possible roof damage, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City acknowledged that the noise some witnesses reported hearing might have included sonic booms or electrophonic sounds. A resident in Henry County, Georgia, even recounted an incident where a “rock” fell through their ceiling, resulting in floor damage.
Although some feared seismic activity due to loud sounds accompanying the fireball, meteorologists in Atlanta have found no links to any earthquakes coinciding with the event. NASA confirmed that the meteor was traveling at an astonishing speed of 30,000 miles per hour, measured approximately three feet in diameter, and weighed over a ton. The meteor disintegrated at an altitude of 27 miles above West Forest, Georgia, releasing energy equivalent to 20 tons of TNT.
This sighting is a remarkable example of a fireball, defined by the American Meteor Society as a visually bright meteor with a brightness greater than magnitude -4. Even though thousands of meteors enter Earth’s atmosphere each day, most occur above oceans and uninhabited regions. The rarity of daylight sightings adds to the significance of this occurrence.
As additional evidence of the fireball’s visibility, dashcam footage from travelers recorded the meteor crossing the sky over Anderson, South Carolina, contributing to the impressive visual reports represented by videos and images showcasing a trail of brightness and color.
In summary, this fireball sighting has captured the attention of countless individuals across the Southern States, bringing excitement and curiosity about these natural phenomena. With witness reports, scientific confirmations, and visual documentation, the event has sparked discussions about meteors and their impact on Earth’s atmosphere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Meteorite Fireball Lights Up Skies Over South Carolina and Georgia
Meteor Fireball Dazzles Southeastern Skies
South Carolina Witnesses Mysterious Fireball in the Sky
Meteorite Sighting Investigation Underway in Georgia
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Meteor
- WLTX
- Google Search: Meteor fireball South Carolina Georgia
- Fox Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fireball
- NBC News
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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