Fireball In The Sky: Meteor Streaks Across North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A meteor streaking across the night sky over South Carolina last night was seen from surrounding states, including the Charlotte area, according to the American Meteor Society

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The American Meteor Society reports it received 190 calls (at last count) reporting the fireball seen around 8:45 p.m. “The fireball was seen primarily from the South Carolina area but witnesses from several states around also reported the event,” AMS said.

A fireball is a very bright meteor that is about as bright as the planet Venus in the morning or evening sky, according to AMS. The organization asks anyone who witnesses a fireball to record sightings on its website. The information from witnesses is then used in statistical analysis and study.

Based upon witness reports, AMS determined the fireball traveled from the Northeast to Southwest, ending its visible flight near Longs, S.C., in coastal Horry County.

Images via The American Meteor Society