June 27, 2025

Bright Fireball Captivates Southeastern Residents

News Summary

A striking fireball was observed across the Southeastern United States, with numerous reports emerging from South Carolina and neighboring states. The event, unfolding in broad daylight, sparked excitement and confusion among onlookers, some mistaking it for an earthquake. The American Meteor Society recorded over 130 reports of the phenomenon, likely associated with the upcoming June Bootid meteor shower. Witnesses described the fireball as resembling a bright firework and produced a loud sonic boom, leading to chatter on social media. Residents are encouraged to keep watching the skies as more celestial events approach.

Charleston, SC – A stunning fireball lit up the sky across the Southeastern United States on June 26, 2025, captivating residents and sparking widespread reports. The event unfolded during the daytime, with hundreds of sightings logged by individuals in South Carolina and nearby states. The initial reports of the fireball began streaming into the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston between 12:30 and 1 p.m. on the same day.

According to meteorologist Drew Hickok from the NWS, satellite-based lightning detection indicated the presence of a streak in the sky over the North Carolina-Virginia border around 12:56 p.m. Observers described the fireball as akin to a “bright firework” or “fiery ball” as it streaked overhead, prompting excitement and panic among numerous witnesses who took to social media to share their experiences. One resident driving towards N Lake in Lexington, South Carolina, documented the event on Facebook at 12:54 p.m.

Sightings of the fireball came from various locations, including cities such as Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg in South Carolina, as well as reports from neighboring Georgia and Tennessee. Several witnesses reported hearing loud booms and experiencing shakes in their homes, initially leading some to suspect an earthquake. In a particularly notable incident, a resident of Henry County, Georgia, reported a fragment of the meteor crashing through their ceiling around the same time as the fireball sighting, likely indicating the event’s impact.

The American Meteor Society documented over 130 pending reports of the fireball from 20 states by 4:30 p.m. The organization’s representatives suggested that the phenomenon could be associated with a meteorite producing what is known as a daytime fireball. The incident corresponded with the June Bootid meteor shower, which was set to peak on June 27, making this occurrence even more significant.

The fireball’s visibility during daylight hours and the loud sonic boom it produced were particularly unusual, drawing attention to its striking nature. Reports to the NWS mentioned that the majority of sightings took place between 12:15 and 12:30 p.m. ET. Local authorities, including the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, were alerted to the potential meteor event and began receiving additional reports of sightings across their jurisdiction.

Videos shared on social media captured the fireball’s bright flash and provided evidence of its descent as it left a trail into wooded areas. The fireball’s measured magnitude was estimated at around -14, significantly brighter than the full moon and indicative of the spectacular nature of the event. NWS experts noted that fireball magnitudes exceeding -4 are rare occurrences in the atmosphere.

Scientists classified the fireball as a bolide, which is a type of fireball that explodes as it travels through the earth’s atmosphere. This classification underscores the excitement and fascination with such astronomical phenomena as people took the opportunity to marvel at the night sky from the comfort of their homes or while out and about during the day.

This extraordinary display in the Southeast serves as a reminder of the wonders of the cosmos and the continued interest in meteor watches and celestial events. With the peak of the June Bootid meteor shower quickly approaching, residents may keep their eyes to the sky for further wonders and displays.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.