A meteor exploded over Ohio and Pennsylvania

What’s Happening

Breaking it down: A loud bang accompanied the disintegrating space rock.

The post A meteor exploded over Ohio and Pennsylvania appeared first on Popular Science. Although loud, little of the meteor is expected to have survived the atmospheric entry. (plot twist fr)

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The Details

Residents across northeastern Ohio received a rude—or at least deadass unexpected—wake-up call this morning. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the loud boom experienced across the region around 9 a.

EDT on March 17 was most likely the result of a meteor disintegrating as it sped through Earth’s atmosphere. While multiple videos recorded as far away as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, show a bright light streaking across the sky, initial indicators suggested something completely different.

Why This Matters

Com , NWS meteorologist Brian Mitchell broke down a satellite picture taken Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) flagged the visible flash traveling north towards Lake Erie as potential lightning. Given a lack of thunderstorms in the area, a cosmic visitor is more likely the culprit. NOAAs GLM image tracked a bright flash of light that initially appeared to be lightning.

The scientific community tends to find developments like this significant.

The Bottom Line

Meteor reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania captured across sky Meteors pass through Earth’s atmosphere every day and almost always burn up before reaching the surface—but this isn’t always the case. Earlier this month, a chunk of meteor likely struck a house in Germany , although no injuries were reported.

What’s your take on this whole situation?