In a stunning display of celestial spectacle, a massive fireball illuminated the night sky over Kentucky, captivating witnesses across multiple American states on Thursday evening. More than 200 individuals from Ohio, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and other states reported sightings of a bright fireball at approximately 9:45 pm, as confirmed by NASA's Meteor Watch.

According to NASA, the "very bright" fireball was identified as a meteor that disintegrated approximately 30 miles above Exie, Kentucky, near Bowling Green. The intense breakup of the meteor released an astounding amount of energy, equivalent to 10 tons of TNT, creating a powerful pressure wave that some witnesses across the affected regions heard.

Measuring around 20 inches in diameter and weighing a staggering 400 pounds, the meteor hurtled at an astonishing speed of 51,000mph. It was identified as a meteoroid, a small celestial object that entered the Earth's atmosphere. Experts believe that it was this meteoroid's fragmentation that caused the breathtaking fireball and subsequent pressure wave phenomena.

While the event remains awe-inspiring, it's currently unclear whether any remnants of the meteorite made contact with the Earth's surface. Fox Weather reports the possibility of surviving fragments landing near Altapass in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, witnesses from as far as Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina were lucky enough to bear witness to this extraordinary celestial event.

Social media platforms were abuzz with descriptions of the fireball, as people shared their awe and amazement. One eyewitness described it as a "bright green and fast object," surmising that it potentially crashed on the right side of the I-40 East without an accompanying explosion. Others expressed their astonishment at the close proximity of the spectacle, with one witness stating, "I literally felt like I could have walked to it because it looked so close."

For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kelly W. from Harriman, Tennessee, said, "I've never seen anything like it before. It was wild." Similarly, Mary M. from Olive Hill, Kentucky, excitedly exclaimed that it was "the first one I have ever seen!" Sue S. from Glenhayes, West Virginia, added, "It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen and experienced."

Astronomy experts provide some context, noting that only around five percent of meteors survive their descent to Earth's surface. While approximately 500 meteorites reach the Earth each year, they are rarely recovered due to various factors.

As scientists and enthusiasts eagerly investigate this captivating event, cities and towns alike are left with an awe-inspiring memory of the massive fireball that briefly turned night into day, leaving witnesses breathless and reminding us of the immense celestial wonders that surround our planet.