A meteorite roared over northern Vermont at 47,000 miles per hour Sunday night, surprising people in neighboring Canada and Maine, according to NASA Meteor Watch.
Scientists reported that the meteor reached 52 miles above Mount Mansfield State Forest around 5:48 p.m.
“Eyewitnesses in the Northeast and Canada report seeing a bright ball of fire tonight, around 5:38 p.m., Eastern Standard Time,” NASA Meteor Watch posted on its Facebook page. “Analysis of their reports shows that the meteor occurred over northern Vermont, first appearing at a height of 52 miles (84 kilometers) above the Mount Mansfield State Forest.”
For anyone wondering about the big boom / meteor earlier today #btv #vermont , I dug some pictures with the webcam and found this on the WCAX / BTV Airport webcam – watch the top left corner. pic.twitter.com/oyVLSoVahP
– Jeremy LaClair (@JeremyLaclair) March 8, 2021
The meteor traveled in a northeasterly direction and traveled 33 miles at 47,000 miles per hour, according to NASA. “It traveled 53 kilometers through the upper atmosphere before burning 53 kilometers above Hill Beach in Orleans County, south of Newport,” NASA reported.
Vermont news agencies reported receiving dozens of phone calls from readers and viewers after hearing loud explosions as the meteor lit up in the blue sky. The Burlington Free Press reported that some readers compared the meteorite’s flight to the sound of a firing range.
Burlington Station WCAX said its camera at Burlington Airport captured the fast-moving object for a few brief moments.
NASA reported that it hopes to receive some videos of the celestial activity.
John R. Ellement can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JREbosglobe.