Spectacular Fireball Lights Up Southeastern U.S.
On June 26, residents in the southeastern United States witnessed a spectacular event: a luminous fireball streaked across the daytime sky, captivating onlookers and sparking widespread interest. This celestial display was more than just a visual phenomenon; it culminated in a meteorite striking a residence in McDonough, Georgia.
Identification of the McDonough Meteorite
Thanks to investigations by the University of Georgia, this space visitor has been identified as the McDonough Meteorite. Remarkably, it is older than our planet, offering valuable insights into the early solar system.
Tracking the Meteor's Journey
Prior to its terrestrial arrival, scientists tracked the meteor's journey through Earth's atmosphere. This object, classified as a bolide—a bright meteor—entered at incredible speeds, surpassing the velocity of sound. Despite its modest size, comparable to a cherry tomato, its high velocity and impact energy were sufficient to cause noticeable damage.
Expert Insights
Scott Harris, a geologist at UGA's Franklin College, explained, “Earth’s atmosphere effectively slows dow...