Meteor Disintegrates Over North Carolina

A spectacular fireball streaked across the night sky over Appalachia on August 30, first detected 45 miles above Piney Flats, Tennessee, at 1:15 a.m. and traveling at 31,300 mph before disintegrating over North Carolina. NASA identified the object as a dense asteroidal fragment, approximately 2 feet in diameter and weighing around 1,000 pounds, which produced an energy equivalent to 10 tons of TNT upon breaking apart. The event was reported by over 175 witnesses across ten states, with many describing brilliant colors and hearing sonic booms resulting from the pressure wave created by the explosion. Videos captured by residents and park cameras showcased the fireball's vivid display, with observers expressing awe at its beauty. NASA suggests that meteorites may have landed in the Spruce Pine and Altapass areas, following the fireball's trajectory. This event highlights the rare phenomenon of bright fireballs, which can be both visually stunning and audibly impactful.