Current:Home > NewsWatch as shooting star burns brightly, awes driver as it arcs across Tennessee sky -SecureWealth Bridge
Watch as shooting star burns brightly, awes driver as it arcs across Tennessee sky
View
Date:2025-04-16 20:09:35
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! (757)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- 7 MLB superstars who can win their first World Series title in 2024
- Murder charge reinstated against ex-trooper in chase that killed girl, 11
- Oregon governor uses new land use law to propose rural land for semiconductor facility
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- First rioters to breach a police perimeter during Capitol siege are sentenced to prison terms
- Nike names Elliott Hill as CEO, replacing John Donahoe
- Diddy is 'fighting for his life' amid sex trafficking charges. What does this mean for him?
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- JoJo was a teen sensation. At 33, she’s found her voice again
Ranking
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Woman sues Florida sheriff after mistaken arrest lands her in jail on Christmas
- Dallas pastor removed indefinitely due to 'inappropriate relationship' with woman, church says
- Former Bad Boy Rapper Shyne Barrow Says Sean Diddy Combs Destroyed His Life
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Philadelphia officer who died weeks after being shot recalled as a dedicated public servant
- An NYC laundromat stabbing suspect is fatally shot by state troopers
- Nebraska resurgence just the latest Matt Rhule college football rebuild bearing fruit
Recommendation
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
Fed cuts interest rate half a point | The Excerpt
How many points did Caitlin Clark score today? Rookie's minutes limited with playoffs looming
Zach Bryan apologizes for 'drunkenly' comparing Taylor Swift and Kanye West
Small twin
‘Grim Outlook’ for Thwaites Glacier
Oregon governor uses new land use law to propose rural land for semiconductor facility
WNBA postseason preview: Strengths and weaknesses for all 8 playoff teams