It has been concluded that the recent fireball that was observed over Texas was not a piece of the recent collision of two satellites orbiting Earth. A rare occurrence, however the object was simply a natural meteor, also known as a fireball. Most meteors tend to be made of non-metallic minerals that break apart easily from ram pressure when entering the atmosphere. This meteor was a special treat to observers because it was also accompanied by a sonic boom; this is likely to suggest that the meteor was made of a metallic substance. In order for a fireball to create a sonic boom it must reach the Earth’s stratosphere, which is generally thirty miles above the Earth’s surface, and be at least the size of a basketball.
This is an update to my previous post entitled: Fireball – Not Part of Meteor Shower
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- Meteor Mark
on Feb 21st, 2009 at 2:18 am
Update: February 21, 2009:
This meteor was likely the size of a large truck. Penny-sized iron meteorites have been found by scientists.
on Feb 21st, 2009 at 8:30 pm
On Feb 14 2009 two women at Lake Austin Spa were on the lake and witnessed a fireball land in a field around 11 am
It had a large burning tsil and appeared to be at least the size of a basketball. what was it?
on Feb 21st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
d, J . Higbee,
Probably exactly what you said, a fireball. Millions of particles enter our atmosphere on a daily basis, some are large enough to be witnessed, some are not. You may want to look at the glossary on this site. You can also search for “meteor facts” both are located in the top right corner.
I hope it enlightens you.
- Meteor Mark
on Feb 24th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
A few days after the sighting of the fireball over central TX, there was another report on the local news stations of something in the sky over San Antonio, TX. Do you have any information?
on Feb 25th, 2009 at 3:20 am
EGreen,
No I am sorry I don’t have any information.
- Meteor Mark