Spectacular Fireball Seen Across 13 States: A Meteor’s Fiery Display in the Night Sky

A recent fireball sighting in the southern U.S. captivated onlookers across several states, including Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas. The American Meteor Society reported receiving over 150 observations of the event. The fireball, which NASA classified as “very bright,” was visible in the night sky and created a stunning display that could be seen from multiple locations. This type of meteor is relatively rare and often draws significant attention due to its brightness and visibility​ American Meteor Society

A striking fireball illuminated the night sky, visible across 13 states in the United States, creating a spectacle witnessed by over 200 people. Reports came in from states including Ohio, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, with observers describing the event around 9:45 pm on Thursday, according to NASA’s Meteor Watch.

Many across Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia & the Carolinas reported a fireball last night.

Glenn Sparks happen to capture it late last night here in Middle TN

Check it out!@FOXNashville #tnwx pic.twitter.com/k0sa7ATOQX

— Katy Morgan (@katymorganwx) August 30, 2024

The fireball, which was actually a meteor, burst apart approximately 30 miles above Exie, Kentucky, near Bowling Green. The energy released from this disintegration was equivalent to 10 tons of TNT, generating a pressure wave that reached the ground and was audible to some onlookers as a distant boom, explained by NASA as the cause of the noises heard.

NASA further detailed that the meteor was about 20 inches in diameter, weighed around 400 pounds, and hurtled through the atmosphere at a speed of 51,000 mph. There’s uncertainty about whether any fragments reached the Earth’s surface, but some remnants might have landed near Altapass in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Fireball Meteor: The second in a little over a week happened early Friday morning and registered a loud sonic boom as the brilliant flash lit up the morning skies across Tennessee and North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/ONxHEGp7jp

— Chris Vickers (@ChrisWTOL) August 31, 2024

The event was also visible from Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, sparking considerable local interest. A social media account focused on the area shared images captured by park cameras that showed the landscape dramatically lit up around 1:15 am. Enthusiasts and casual observers alike shared their awe and descriptions of the phenomenon, noting its vivid, bright green color and rapid movement without a tail, distinguishing it from a comet.

Witnesses described the experience as unforgettable and uniquely striking. Kelly W. from Harriman, Tennessee, remarked on the closeness of the fireball, feeling as though it was almost within walking distance. Mary M. from Olive Hill, Kentucky, described it as beautiful and a first-time sighting for her. Similarly, Sue S. from Glenhayes, West Virginia, called it one of the most amazing things she had ever seen and experienced.

A massive fireball was seen streaking across parts of Tennessee, Virginia and the Carolinas Friday, stunning onlookers who happened to catch a glimpse. https://t.co/6qKVhtaOiu pic.twitter.com/sJE7WJSFgM

— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) August 31, 2024

Statistically, only about five percent of meteors make it through their fiery descent to reach Earth’s surface. Despite approximately 500 meteorites falling to Earth annually, they are seldom recovered, highlighting the rarity and significance of such celestial events.

Major Points:

• A meteor created a significant fireball seen and heard across 13 U.S. states, with over 200 sightings reported around 9:45 pm on Thursday.
• The meteor disintegrated 30 miles above Exie, Kentucky, releasing energy equivalent to 10 tons of TNT, which generated a pressure wave audible to some onlookers.
• The meteor was approximately 20 inches in diameter, weighed 400 pounds, and was traveling at 51,000 mph when it broke apart.
• Possible remnants of the meteor might have landed near Altapass in the Blue Ridge Mountains, although it is uncertain if any meteorites struck the Earth’s surface.
• The event was vividly visible from Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, with local accounts and park cameras capturing the phenomenon; it left a lasting impression on witnesses who described it as a unique and striking sight.

Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News