A Sky Spectacle Turns Scary!

On June 26, residents across the southeastern United States witnessed an astonishing and somewhat terrifying fireball streaking across the sky, leaving many in awe and a bit shaken.

NASA Weighs In on the Phenomenon

NASA's meteoroid expert, Bill Cooke, confirmed the frightening sight was indeed a meteor—essentially a trail of light created by a small space rock vaporizing in our atmosphere. Cooke stated that the meteor was first spotted at an impressive altitude of 48 miles above Oxford, Georgia, hurtling southwest at a staggering speed of 30,000 miles per hour.

A Meteor’s Fiery Demise

As it plunged towards Earth, this cosmic traveler disintegrated 27 miles above West Forest, Georgia, unleashing energy equivalent to approximately 20 tons of TNT. The shock waves from the blast were felt far and wide, creating sonic booms that startled many nearby.

An Astrological Culprit

Cooke explained that the meteor came from an asteroidal fragment measuring around 3 feet in diameter and weighing over a ton. Eyewitness accounts, alongside extensive analysis from camera and radar data, confirmed the event's dramatic nature.

Local Reactions: Shaken But Grateful

Local resident Melanie Whitlock described the experience to WSB-TV, expressing that feeling the intense sonic boom was "really, really scary." Her daughter, Amber Hudson, added to the eerie atmosphere, stating that the noise made her shake and even caused a water bottle to topple off her nightstand.

An Ongoing Phenomenon

Interestingly, NASA's Center for Near Earth Objects Studies reported that 2025 has already seen at least 20 similar fireball events tracked worldwide. This celestial drama reminds us of the wonders—and dangers—that our universe holds.

Stay in the Loop!

For those who don’t want to miss future astonishing stories, subscribing to the PEOPLE’s daily newsletter can keep you updated on all the best news, from trending celebrity gossip to intriguing human interest features.