Current:Home > MyWatch as shooting star burns brightly, awes driver as it arcs across Tennessee sky -AssetPath
Watch as shooting star burns brightly, awes driver as it arcs across Tennessee sky
View
Date:2025-04-18 02:31:50
A meteor made a surprise appearance in the sky early Friday morning, burning brightly as it traveled across two neighboring states before dissipating.
Glenn Sparks, a driver headed east on Interstate 40 in Tennessee, documented the moment on Facebook, writing that he had just witnessed the "most amazing meteor of my life" at around 1 a.m. on Friday.
The shooting star, according to Sparks, looked like it was roughly over Greeneville, about 65 miles east of Knoxville, when he spotted it.
"It lit up the sky for over 10 seconds with multiple explosions along the way," Sparks wrote. "Absolutely gorgeous!"
Watch: Meteor briefly illuminate Tennessee skyline
Southwest Virginia residents also caught sight of the fleeting ball of fire, capturing the meteor, also known as a shooting star, on video as it whizzed by in a matter of seconds.
Sparks' awe was audible in the video clip that he took, saying "What?" and erupting into laughter.
While Sparks may have been in awe, meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere regularly, with NASA estimating that that "several meteors per hour" can usually be seen on any given night.
"Scientists estimate that about 48.5 tons of meteoritic material falls on Earth each day," according to NASA. "Almost all the material is vaporized in Earth's atmosphere, leaving a bright trail fondly called 'shooting stars.'"
veryGood! (7)
Related
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- 3 dead, dozens injured as tour bus carrying about 50 people crashes on Pennsylvania highway
- Tory Lanez to be sentenced for shooting Megan Thee Stallion
- Here's how 3 students and an abuse survivor changed Ohio State's medical school
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- 'Barbie' is the only billion-dollar blockbuster solely directed by a woman
- Democrats see Michigan and Minnesota as guides for what to do with majority power
- Bella Hadid Shares Health Update Amid Painful Battle With Lyme Disease
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian Proves Her Maternity Style Is the Most Interesting to Look At
Ranking
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over water cannon incident in disputed sea, official says
- Costa Rican soccer player killed in crocodile attack after jumping into river
- Sales-tax holidays are popular, but how effective are they?
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- 'Loki' season 2 is nearly here—here's how to watch
- Hollywood strikes taking a toll on California's economy
- Grappling with new law, fearful Florida teachers tossing books, resellers say
Recommendation
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
An Indigenous leader has inspired an Amazon city to grant personhood to an endangered river
Costa Rican soccer player killed in crocodile attack after jumping into river
8-year-old Chicago girl fatally shot by man upset with kids making noise, witnesses say
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
What happens when a person not mentally competent is unfit for trial? Case spotlights issue
Possible explosion at Sherwin-Williams plant in Texas, police say
One injured after large fire breaks out at Sherwin-Williams factory in Texas, reports say