News Summary
On June 26, a stunning fireball was seen across the Southeastern U.S., creating excitement and intrigue. Witnesses reported a bright object streaking through the sky, accompanied by a sonic boom. Despite numerous sightings, the National Weather Service hasn’t confirmed its origin, speculating it could be space debris or a meteor associated with the upcoming June Bootid meteor shower. Over 130 reports were logged by the American Meteor Society, showcasing a community drawn together by this remarkable celestial phenomenon.
Lexington, South Carolina – On June 26, 2025, a stunning bright fireball was spotted across the Southeastern United States, with hundreds of reports confirming the sighting throughout South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and beyond. The event, which captivated observers, began around 12:30 p.m. when the National Weather Service (NWS) started to receive calls about what people believed was falling debris.
Witness accounts indicate the fireball was visible as it streaked across the sky, creating a spectacle that prompted excitement and wonder. Garrett Thrift, driving along Andrew Corley toward N Lake in Lexington, reported the incident on social media at 12:54 p.m. Other witnesses described the fireball as a “bright firework” or a “mini sun with a tail of fire,” further underlining its impressive appearance.
Despite the thrilling nature of the event, the NWS has yet to confirm the origin of the fireball. Meteorologist Drew Hickok noted that satellite-based lightning detection recorded a significant streak occurring over the North Carolina-Virginia border at precisely 12:56 p.m. The speculation surrounding the object ranges from it being space debris to a meteor, with the latter gaining traction due to the consideration of the June Bootid meteor shower peaking the following day.
As the day progressed, more than 130 reports of the fireball were submitted to the American Meteor Society (AMS) by 4:30 p.m. from at least 20 states across the region. Social media platforms buzzed with activity, as users shared their experiences in real-time. A Reddit user specifically mentioned observing something descending from the sky while driving toward Savannah, South Carolina, shortly before 12:30 p.m., adding to the numerous accounts gathered.
Interestingly, a video taken near I-385 and Harrison Bridge Road in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, captured the moment of sighting, further contributing to the eyewitness reports. The moment generated considerable excitement, especially since daytime fireballs of this magnitude are exceedingly rare. The fireball achieved a brightness level reaching -14, making it significantly more luminous than a full moon and allowing it to be seen clearly in daylight.
The event was accompanied by a sonic boom, typical of a meteorite entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Mike Hankey from the AMS identified the occurrence specifically as a “daytime fireball,” indicating that explosions related to meteors, referred to as “bolides,” happen several dozen times each year when fragments of asteroids break apart as they enter the atmosphere.
In one notable report, officials in Henry County, Georgia, mentioned a piece of meteorite potentially striking a residence, a situation that could draw heightened concern due to safety and damages associated with such incidents. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported no unusual aircraft activity in the region at the time of the sightings, suggesting that the event was not connected to any flights.
As the day of sightings continued, the community engagement around the fireball event highlighted a shared fascination for cosmic phenomena. The meteor shower providing the backdrop for the incident captured the imaginations of many, resulting in a surge of interest in astronomy and meteor tracking among affected communities. NASA officials had not issued an immediate statement regarding the event as of the last reporting.
This remarkable fireball sighting not only captivated eye-witnesses but also posed questions about the characteristics of meteors and the occurrences of such eventful phenomena in the atmosphere, making it a noteworthy subject of study for both meteorologists and astronomers alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spectacular Fireball Streaks Across Southeast Skies
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Meteor
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Meteor Fireball
- CNN
- Google Scholar: Meteor Fireball
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Meteor
- WBTV
- Google News: Fireball
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
