A massive meteor weighing approximately seven tonnes exploded over Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday morning, creating a loud sonic boom and a bright fireball that was visible across several US states. The rare daytime event startled residents and drew widespread attention, with space agencies later confirming that the object was not an ordinary rock.

According to preliminary data released by NASA, the meteor entered Earth’s atmosphere at around 9 am, travelling at an estimated speed of 72,420 kilometres per hour. As it descended, the object rapidly heated up due to atmospheric friction, eventually breaking apart in a dramatic explosion high above the ground.

The explosion produced a bright fireball that was visible even in daylight, an uncommon occurrence that made the event particularly striking. Reports of sightings poured in from multiple states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, with many witnesses describing a sudden flash followed by a loud boom that rattled windows and startled communities.

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Astronomers and officials noted that such meteoric events are not unusual, but the size and brightness of this object made it stand out. NASA indicated that the meteor’s composition and behaviour suggested it may have been denser or structurally different from typical space rocks, prompting further scientific analysis.

Despite the intensity of the explosion, authorities confirmed that no damage or injuries were reported. The meteor disintegrated in the atmosphere before any significant fragments could reach the ground, reducing the risk to people and property in the affected regions.

Experts continue to monitor similar near-Earth objects and emphasise that most meteors burn up harmlessly upon entering the atmosphere. Events like this provide valuable data for scientists studying the composition of celestial bodies and the dynamics of atmospheric entry, helping improve understanding of potential future risks.

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