Fireball Streaks Across South Carolina Sky, Sparks Meteorite Hunt

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., residents across South Carolina and neighboring states witnessed a brilliant fireball streaking across the midday sky.

 

The event, visible in broad daylight, left many observers in awe and prompted a flurry of reports to local authorities and scientific organizations.

 

Eyewitnesses described the object as a bright flaming object with a trailing smoke plume, moving rapidly across the sky.

 

Some residents also reported hearing a loud sonic boom shortly after the sighting, leading to initial speculation about an earthquake.

 

According to experts, the phenomenon was likely a bolide, a particularly bright meteor that explodes in the atmosphere.

 

NASA's Meteoroid Environments Office analyzed the event and determined that the meteor was approximately the size of a shopping cart.

 

It entered the atmosphere over Oxford, Georgia, traveling southwest at an estimated speed of 30,000 mph.

 

The meteor disintegrated over West Forest, Georgia, releasing energy equivalent to about 20 tons of TNT.

 

Fragments of the meteor, known as meteorites, are believed to have fallen in the Blacksville, Georgia area.

 

 

In Henry County, Georgia, a resident reported a rock crashing through their roof, leaving a golf ball-sized hole in the ceiling and a crack in the floor.

 

Authorities are investigating whether this debris is related to the meteor event.

 

In South Carolina, particularly in the upstate region, multiple agencies are looking into reports of a possible meteorite impact.

 

Anderson County Fire Department crews were dispatched to search for any evidence of meteorite debris.

 

Despite the widespread sightings and reports, no significant damage or injuries have been confirmed in South Carolina.

 

Experts note that while meteors frequently enter Earth's atmosphere, it is rare for them to be bright enough to be seen during daylight hours.

 

The intense friction and deceleration experienced by these objects as they enter the atmosphere cause them to heat up and emit light, resulting in the spectacular fireball observed.

 

Residents who may have found unusual rocks or debris are encouraged to report their findings to local authorities or scientific organizations for further analysis.

 

Such discoveries can provide valuable insights into the composition and origin of meteors.

 

As investigations continue, the event serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the occasional, awe-inspiring interactions between Earth and celestial objects.

 

For those interested in learning more about meteors and fireballs, the American Meteor Society offers resources and information on recent events and how to report sightings.

 

Stay tuned to local news outlets for updates on this developing story.

 

In the meantime, keep your eyes on the sky—you never know when the next celestial spectacle might occur.