Space Events

Meteorites and Fireballs

Hours after a meteor exploded over Russia and injured more than 1000 people, locals in California and Cuba witnessed unusual flashes of light.

Residents in California reported seeing an unusual flash of light over the San Francisco Bay area that left many startled. Based on reports, the light streaking in the Northern California sky was a sporadic meteor, or fireball.

Cuba also apparently experienced a phenomenon similar to but smaller than the meteorite that hit Russia. Residents described a bright light in the sky and a loud explosion that shook windows and walls. There were no reports of any injuries or damage such as those caused by the Russia meteorite.

The object that exploded over Russia was a “tiny asteroid” that measured roughly 45 feet across, weighed about 10 tons and traveled about 40,000 mph. The object vaporized roughly 15 miles above the surface of the Earth, causing a shock wave that triggered the global network of listening devices that was established to detect nuclear test explosions. The force of the explosion measured between 300 and 500 kilotons, equivalent to a modern nuclear bomb.