News Summary
A bright fireball was spotted across the skies of Augusta, Georgia, and nearby states, causing a flurry of 911 calls and discussions online. Witnesses reported a tadpole-shaped object transitioning from yellow to blue, along with a loud sonic boom. The National Weather Service confirmed it to be a meteor, which broke apart over South Carolina. NASA tracked its rapid descent and estimated its explosive energy at about 20 tons of TNT. Locals are encouraged to share images and videos of this unusual daytime meteor event.
Augusta, Georgia – A bright fireball streaked across the sky on Thursday afternoon, leading to numerous 911 calls and extensive discussions on social media across multiple states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The phenomenon, which occurred around 12:20 p.m., was described by witnesses as a tadpole-shaped yellowish object that shifted to a bluish hue, complete with a visible tail. Many individuals also reported hearing a loud sonic boom associated with the event.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the object to be a meteor after analyzing video evidence sourced from eyewitness accounts. Meteorologist Bill Karins noted that the meteor appeared to break apart as it entered the atmosphere over South Carolina.
Reports came in from Columbia County, Georgia, and Augusta, among other locations. A veteran from Columbia recounted seeing the fireball in broad daylight, depicting it as having a fiery orange color with a blue tail trailing behind. An individual from Henry County shared photos of a rock that had crashed into their home, which some speculate may be debris from the meteor.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ascertained that there were no unusual aircraft activities during the time of the sighting, dismissing initial speculation of an earthquake that arose from the sonic boom created by the disintegration of the meteor.
NASA confirmed that the meteor was first detected at an altitude of approximately 48 miles above Oxford, Georgia, moving southwest at an extraordinary speed of 30,000 mph before disintegrating at an altitude of 27 miles over West Forest, Georgia. The energy released during this event was estimated to be equivalent to about 20 tons of TNT.
Due to the meteor’s impressive speed and altitude, it could not be tracked by radar, but its presence was detected by the Global Lightning Mapper system. The NWS reported that the trajectory of the meteor was subsequently confirmed by multiple Doppler weather radars, which identified signatures of the falling meteorites.
NWS officials noted that it is rare for meteors to be visible during daylight hours, but when conditions allow, they can present as striking fireballs and produce accompanying loud sounds.
As eyewitness reports continued to flood in, local authorities in Aiken County initially searched for a potential plane crash before confirming their findings were related to the meteor activity. Meteorologists suggested that observers should be vigilant for meteorite landings in the area, especially since the Bootid meteor shower is presently active.
Community members have been encouraged to report any images or videos of the fireball through local media channels to enhance the collection of data surrounding this remarkable event.
The incident has sparked both excitement and curiosity among residents, underscoring the exceptional nature of meteoric events and the public’s eagerness to share their experiences. As investigations continue, the scientific community is hopeful for further insights into this spectacular display.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Meteor Fireball Streaks Across the Sky in Augusta
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Fireball Catches Eyes Across CSRA
- Wikipedia: Meteor
- WJBF: Possible Meteorite Seen Across CSRA
- Google Search: CSRA fireball
- Atlanta News First: Meteorite Spotted Across States
- Google Scholar: fireball meteor
- WBTV: Fireball Seen in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Meteorite
- WYFF4: Fiery Ball Falling from the Sky
- Google News: meteor fireball 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
