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NASA confirms meteor over SE Georgia after reports of ‘massive fireball’

A meteor (actual one not pictured) was spotted over southeast Georgia on Sunday night, news outlet WJCL reported, citing NASA. (AJC file photo)
A meteor (actual one not pictured) was spotted over southeast Georgia on Sunday night, news outlet WJCL reported, citing NASA. (AJC file photo)
By Rich Barak
Updated Oct 13, 2021

A meteor was spotted over southeast Georgia on Sunday night, news outlet WJCL reported, citing NASA.

The meteor appeared about 10:04 p.m., according to NASA Meteor Watch, and traveled northwest at 45,000 mph before burning up in Toombs County.

NASA meteor cameras also detected the fireball in North Georgia, North Carolina and Florida, according to NASA Meteor Watch.

The meteor appeared 52 miles above the town of Donald before burning up 23 miles above Sanders Road near Providence Missionary Baptist Church, which is in southeast Toombs County, according to an analysis of the video data by NASA.

The meteor’s brightness rivaled the full moon, NASA reported, and indicated it was caused by an asteroid fragment measuring about 8 inches in diameter and weighing 20 pounds.

Here is what the meteor looked like from NASA’s Meteor Watch camera in Cartersville:

About the Author

· Rich Barak works in the sports department as a leader/coach. In his career, Barak has covered everyone from Tommy Lasorda to Timothy Leary. He can be reached via email at Richard.Barak@ajc.com, on Twitter at @RBARACK or by calling 217-722-0184.

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