News Summary
A brilliant meteor fireball captivated onlookers across the southeastern U.S., including South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Witnesses reported seeing the object around midday as it streaked through the sky, creating visible daylight disturbances. The National Weather Service confirmed the event’s extensive visibility, while NASA revealed the meteor traveled at incredible speeds, disintegrating at lower altitudes and producing sonic booms. The excitement surrounding this rare event continues as officials search for meteorite debris.
Anderson County, South Carolina – A remarkable meteorite fireball lit up the southeastern U.S. skies on Thursday, June 26, 2025, capturing the attention of countless witnesses across South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The fireball was first observed at 12:21 p.m. ET, sparking numerous reports to authorities and creating a spectacle that was unmistakably visible in daylight.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston confirmed extensive sightings of the phenomenon, stating that a satellite-based lightning detection system tracked the bright streak over Gasburg, Virginia, between 12:51 and 12:56 p.m. The American Meteor Society documented over 160 accounts of the fireball sighting, with many individuals reporting their observations at approximately 12:25 p.m. ET.
NASA provided insights into the nature of the object, revealing that it was a meteor traveling at an impressive speed of about 30,000 miles per hour. Estimated to be three feet in diameter and weighing more than a ton, the meteor entered the atmosphere at an altitude of 48 miles above Oxford, Georgia, disintegrating at approximately 27 miles above West Forest, Georgia. This explosive end released energy equivalent to 20 tons of TNT.
Witnesses described the fireball as a bright, burning white-hot or bright orange object soaring across the sky, further reinforced by video footage that quickly circulated on social media platforms. The dramatic scene prompted excitement and curiosity among viewers as the videos captured the meteor’s descent through the atmosphere.
The event did not only thrill onlookers; it also caused ground-shaking disturbances. The pressure wave produced by the meteor resulted in sonic booms that reverberated in nearby areas. In Henry County, Georgia, one report mentioned a fragment believed to be from the meteor causing damage by penetrating the roof of a private home.
The NWS received numerous calls regarding the fireball, highlighting the widespread nature of the spectacle’s visibility across multiple states. Fire officials in Anderson County initiated a search for potential meteorite debris in the Upstate region following the incident, addressing public interest in locating remnants from the fiery event.
This meteor incident coincided with the ongoing Bootids meteor shower, raising questions about a possible connection between the two phenomena, although further analysis will be needed for conclusive links. Meteorologists pointed out that such daytime fireballs are quite rare. Statistically, only about one in every 700 recorded fireballs occurs during daylight, making this event particularly unusual and notable.
In addition to visual spectacle, reports indicated the presence of audible sounds associated with the meteor fireball. The combination of sonic booms and rare electrophonic sounds contributed to the overall sensory experience of the event, further captivating onlookers and generating a wave of public chatter and speculation.
As the excitement around the fireball continues, interest remains high regarding potential findings from the ongoing search for meteorite debris and further scientific analysis to understand the meteor’s trajectory and characteristics. This event not only captivated the public but also marked a unique moment in the sky for the residents of the southeastern United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Witnesses Mysterious Fireball in the Sky
Meteorite Sighting Investigation Underway in Georgia
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Meteor shower
- CBS News
- Google Search: meteor fireball South Carolina Georgia
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: meteor fireball
- WBTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: meteor
- WLTX
- Google News: meteor fireball 2025
- Greenville Online
