Massive Meteor Causes Sonic Boom and Damage in North Georgia

This remarkable meteor illuminated the sky in North Georgia, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

News Summary

A spectacular meteor blazed through the sky in North Georgia, causing a sonic boom and minor structural damage. Witnesses experienced a bright light and tremors, mistaking it for an earthquake. NASA confirmed the meteor entered the atmosphere at high speed, resulting in significant energy release. The event has led to reports of meteorite fragments, prompting investigations into damage and community impacts, while excitement grows among the public over this rare celestial event.

Massive Daytime Meteor Causes Sonic Boom and Structural Damage in North Georgia

It was a typical afternoon in the Southeastern U.S. when an astonishing meteor blazed across the sky on June 26, 2025, leaving many residents in awe and a few others picking up the pieces. Around 12:25 p.m. EDT, a bright fireball lit up the skies of North Georgia and as far away as parts of upstate South Carolina. This wasn’t just any meteor; it traveled through our atmosphere at an incredible speed of 30,000 miles per hour!

NASA’s Confirmations

NASA quickly confirmed that the mysterious object was indeed a meteor, entering Earth’s atmosphere about 48 miles above Oxford, Georgia. As it raced southwest, this sizable asteroidal fragment—approximately three feet in diameter and weighing over a ton—disintegrated at an altitude of 27 miles above West Forest. The energy released during its fiery demise was equivalent to a staggering 20 tons of TNT!

A Sonic Boom Shakes the Ground

Witnesses across various locations reported an extraordinary flash of white light illuminating the day, quickly followed by an earth-shaking tremor. Many thought they were experiencing an earthquake, but thankfully, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that no seismic activity was detected. Instead, the shaking sensation was due to a sonic boom created by the meteor as it blasted through the sky.

Evidence of Impact

NASA’s excitement about this airborne marvel didn’t stop there. In a prompt response, they activated the Geostationary Lightning mappers (GLM) aboard NOAA’s GOES satellites to track this meteor’s entry into our atmosphere. Following this announcement, Doppler radar began to detect falling debris, leading to numerous reports of meteorite fragments on the ground. Now, meteorite hunters are on alert!

Damage and Investigations

One noteworthy event during this celestial spectacle occurred in McDonough, Henry County, where a resident reported that a large rock crashed through their roof, damaging both the ceiling and the floor. Emergency officials are now investigating this incident for possible links to the meteor strike. Meanwhile, officials in South Carolina are scrupulously investigating potential debris crash sites, with reports filtering in from locations like Spartanburg County, Greenville County, and Anderson County.

Public Reaction

Public excitement has been palpable, as the American Meteor Society received over 100 reports of the fireball from various locations, reflecting the widespread nature of this event. In addition to written accounts, compelling video evidence and satellite imagery have documented the moment of impact and the aftermath.

A Daytime Wonder

This particular meteor phenomenon coincided with the Bootids meteor shower, during which rare daytime fireballs can occur. Meteorologists have commented that the brightness of this meteor was notably higher than that of the majority of meteors, making it visible even during daylight. Eyewitnesses have shared that the sight was surreal and mesmerizing, with some likening it to fireworks or lightning streaking across the sky.

What’s Next?

As investigations continue, emergency management teams are actively assessing potential meteorite impacts, striving to understand the entire scope of the event and what it means for local communities. As scientists and officials piece together this captivating puzzle, residents are left buzzing with stories of the spectacular meteor that lit up the day.