Official statements from space agencies

Large Fireball Observed December 21 at 33,500 Miles Per Hour Across Southeast U.S., Likely Space Debris

Dec 22, 2024, 04:38 AM

On December 21, 2024, a large fireball was observed across the Deep South, particularly in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, around 5:30 PM CT. Initial reports suggested it was caused by a piece of an asteroid weighing about one pound entering the atmosphere at a speed of 33,500 miles per hour. However, subsequent analysis by meteorologists indicated that the phenomenon was likely space debris, specifically reentering Starlink satellites or the Superview-1 satellite, rather than a typical meteor. Witnesses reported seeing the object moving slowly and shedding debris, which is atypical for meteors. Videos and images of the event were captured across multiple states, including Arkansas and Louisiana, with reports of a loud whistling noise accompanying the sighting. The event garnered significant attention, with thousands of witnesses sharing their experiences.