NASA confirms 1,000-pound meteorite hit Texas

McALLEN, Texas – NASA has confirmed that a meteor about 2 feet in diameter and weighing about 1,000 pounds fell in South Texas.

Experts believe the space rock broke into several pieces before crashing to earth around 6 p.m. Wednesday near McAllen, Texas.

“Although meteorites tend to hit the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, they slow down as they move through the atmosphere, breaking into small fragments before falling to the ground. Meteorites cool rapidly and generally pose no danger to the public,” NASA said in a statement.

The space agency has released a map showing a buried field or area where meteorites are likely to have fallen.

Video from a home surveillance camera captured a loud sonic boom and the reaction of birds as the meteorite hit.

Residents described windows rattling and earthquake-like shaking.

The National Weather Service said the accompanying fireball was bright enough for satellites to detect.

And the pilots of two planes reported sightings.

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“The meteor seen in the skies over McAllen is a reminder that NASA and others must improve our understanding and protection of the Earth, combine science and engineering expertise to advance human space exploration, and integrate ground and planetary exploration to advance our planet. understanding the solar system and facilitating successful space missions by reducing risks,” NASA said.

About one to two small meteoroids annually enter the Earth’s atmosphere over the United States and often break up into meteorites that fall to the ground.

Anyone who finds these meteorites is strongly advised to contact the Smithsonian Institution so they can be studied.