Tallahassee, FL – Residents across Florida’s Big Bend region were treated to a rare late-night spectacle Monday after a bolide meteor exploded high above the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the US National Weather Service in Tallahassee, the event occurred around 11:50 p.m. ET when a bright meteor streaked across the sky before detonating in the atmosphere. No damage or injuries were reported.
The flash was captured by the GOES Lightning Mapper (GLM) — a satellite system typically used to detect lightning. However, meteorologists noted the GLM can also identify bright meteor explosions known as bolides. A strong optical energy signal was detected off the coast of Levy and Citrus counties, helping pinpoint the meteor’s location.
The first report came from Wakulla County, where residents saw the sky light up roughly 100 miles away from the explosion point.
Bolide meteors are large space rocks that ignite dramatically as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, often appearing brighter than a full moon. Scientists say such events are relatively rare over the Gulf region.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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