Meteor Observed Across Northeastern U.S. States

On Tuesday afternoon, a meteor was observed across the Philadelphia region and several northeastern U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. NASA confirmed the object traveled 117 miles through the upper atmosphere before disintegrating over New Jersey, an event for which the American Meteor Society received over 200 witness reports.

Observation and Trajectory Details

The meteor became visible around 2:30 p.m., first appearing approximately 48 miles above the Atlantic Ocean, off Mastic Beach, Long Island, New York. An analysis of eyewitness accounts and publicly accessible camera footage contributed to tracking its path.

The object traveled at an estimated speed of 30,000 miles per hour, traversing 117 miles through the upper atmosphere. Its disintegration occurred 27 miles above Galloway, New Jersey, located north of Atlantic City.

NASA noted that the period from February through April is considered peak fireball season. While meteors are common during this time, they typically occur over oceans or sparsely populated areas.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses reported seeing a bright light in the sky, with some describing it breaking into pieces and followed by flashes of light.

Several observers also reported hearing a "loud boom" or "big boom" shortly after the sighting. NASA explained that meteors traveling through Earth's atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, which exceed the speed of sound, can generate sonic booms.

Celestial Body Terminology

To clarify the nature of such celestial events, NASA provides the following definitions:

• Meteoroid: A small asteroid located in space.
• Meteor: The light emitted from a meteoroid or asteroid as it enters Earth's atmosphere and begins to burn.
• Fireball: A meteor that is brighter than the planet Venus.
• Meteorite: A fragment of a meteoroid that survives passage through the atmosphere and impacts the ground.