SCIENCE

Meteor streaks over Houston releasing sonic booms

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Houston residents witnessed a meteor on Saturday, March 21, when a roughly one‑ton, three‑foot object became visible over Stagecoach and traveled southeast at about 35,000 miles per hour before fragmenting near Bammel at approximately 4:40 p.m. CDT, NASA reported. NASA and local agencies noted the breakup released energy equivalent to about 26 tons of TNT, produced pressure waves heard across suburbs, and mapped possible meteorite fall zones between Willowbrook and Northgate Crossing; reporters and recovery teams began documenting damage and searching for fragments the following days.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

March 21, ~4:40 p.m. CDT — bright fireball observed over Stagecoach, Texas.
March 21, minutes later — meteor fragments near Bammel, producing loud booms.
March 21 evening — NASA posts preliminary confirmation and data on social media.
March 22 — Local stations and agencies report radar signatures and possible fall zone mapping.
March 22 onward — search and recovery efforts, and damage reports, commence.

Why This Matters to You

This event is a reminder that space isn't as distant as it seems. Meteors can impact our communities, causing potential damage and sonic booms. Stay informed about such events and their aftermaths. It's also a chance to learn more about our universe.

The Bottom Line

NASA and local agencies are working to understand the full impact of this meteor event. If you live in the Willowbrook to Northgate Crossing area, keep an eye out for possible meteorite fragments. Worth forwarding if you know someone in the affected areas.