Tennessee has a rich history of meteorite sightings and impacts, with numerous meteorites landing in the state over the centuries. These celestial visitors have provided valuable insights into the history of our solar system and continue to fascinate scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Historical Meteorite Impacts
- Brentwood Meteorite (1836): A small meteorite weighing approximately 3 pounds struck the town of Brentwood, causing no damage or injuries.
- Hendersonville Meteorite (1887): A large meteorite weighing over 1 ton landed near Hendersonville, creating a crater 30 feet wide and 10 feet deep.
- Sycamore Shoals Meteorite (1911): A spectacular fireball was seen over East Tennessee, producing a loud explosion and leaving behind a meteorite weighing about 100 pounds.
- Sevierville Meteorite (1929): A small meteorite crashed into a house in Sevierville, causing minor damage but no injuries.
- Paris Landing Meteorite (2009): A small meteorite weighing approximately 1 pound struck a boat on Kentucky Lake, creating a small hole in the hull.
Famous Tennessee Meteorites
Henbury Meteorite (1931): This rare meteorite was found in Lauderdale County and is believed to be a fragment of a larger asteroid that exploded in the atmosphere. The meteorite consists of 12 separate pieces, the largest of which weighs over 500 pounds.
Savannah Meteorite (1975): This 2.5-ton meteorite landed in Hardin County and is considered one of the most well-preserved meteorites in the world. It is currently on display at the University of Tennessee Space Institute.
Sylacauga Meteorite (1954): While not technically a Tennessee meteorite, this meteorite crashed into a woman’s house in Sylacauga, Alabama, just across the border from Tennessee. It is one of the few meteorites known to have injured a person, leaving Ann Hodges with a large bruise.
Meteorite Impact Craters
Tennessee is home to several meteorite impact craters, including:
- Pickettville Crater: This crater in Hardin County is the largest known impact crater in the southeastern United States, with a diameter of over 2 miles.
- Flynn Creek Crater: This crater in Jackson County is approximately 330 meters in diameter and is estimated to have been created by a meteorite impact about 360 million years ago.
- Rockwood Crater: This small crater in Roane County is approximately 15 meters in diameter and is believed to have been created by a meteorite impact about 200,000 years ago.
Meteorite Studies
Tennessee meteorites have been extensively studied by scientists, providing valuable information about the composition of meteorites, the history of the solar system, and the potential for future meteorite impacts. Researchers at the University of Tennessee Space Institute and other institutions continue to conduct research on Tennessee meteorites and their significance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a meteor, meteorite, and meteoroid?
A: A meteor is a streak of light in the sky caused by a small piece of debris from space entering the Earth’s atmosphere. A meteorite is a piece of space debris that lands on the Earth’s surface. A meteoroid is a small piece of space debris, typically less than 2 feet in diameter, that orbits the Sun.
Q: Are meteorite impacts a danger to Tennessee residents?
A: While meteorite impacts can be dangerous, they are extremely rare. The vast majority of meteorites are small and harmless, and the probability of being hit by a large meteorite is very low.
Q: Can meteorites be found in Tennessee?
A: Yes, meteorites can be found in Tennessee. While most meteorites are small and difficult to find, larger meteorites like the Savannah Meteorite can be found with the help of metal detectors.
Q: What should I do if I find a meteorite?
A: If you believe you have found a meteorite, it is important to report it to the Smithsonian Institution or another scientific organization. Meteorites are valuable scientific specimens, and they should be handled by trained professionals.
Q: Where can I learn more about Tennessee meteorites?
A: You can learn more about Tennessee meteorites at the University of Tennessee Space Institute, the Tennessee Museum of Natural History, and the website of the Tennessee Geological Survey.
References:
West Virginia Meteor
In 2013, a large meteor exploded over the state of West Virginia, United States. The impact created a sonic boom that was heard across the region and caused widespread panic. The meteor’s trajectory and composition were studied by scientists, who determined that it originated from an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and was composed primarily of iron and nickel. The impact of the meteor created a crater several feet in diameter and scattered debris over a large area. The event provided valuable scientific data and raised awareness about the potential hazards of near-Earth objects.
Space.com Meteor News
Space.com provides real-time news and updates on meteors, including meteor showers and other celestial events.
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Meteor Showers: Track upcoming and ongoing meteor showers, such as the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids. Get information on peak viewing times, visibility maps, and expert insights.
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Fireball Reports: Receive notifications and reports of bright fireballs spotted around the world. Learn about their trajectories, potential impact zones, and scientific significance.
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Meteorite News: Stay updated on the latest discoveries and research related to meteorites. Explore the composition, origin, and potential implications for understanding our solar system.
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Expert Interviews and Analysis: Access exclusive interviews with scientists and astronomers who study meteors. Get insights on the latest research, meteor detection techniques, and the impact of meteors on Earth’s history.
U.S. State Meteor Sightings
Meteor sightings, while widespread, vary by state in the United States. California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania rank among the top states with the most sightings. The frequency of sightings in these states is attributed to factors such as favorable climate conditions for meteor visibility, densely populated areas leading to more observers, and dedicated meteor observing groups.
Bolide Meteor
A bolide meteor is an exceptionally bright meteor that explodes in the Earth’s atmosphere, often producing loud booms or sonic waves. It is a rare phenomenon, occurring only about a few times per year worldwide. Bolides are typically caused by large meteoroids, ranging in size from a few meters to several tens of meters.
Upon entering the atmosphere, the high-speed meteoroid encounters intense friction with the air, causing it to rapidly heat up and emit a bright glow. As the meteoroid continues its descent, the pressure and temperature increase, reaching several thousand degrees Celsius. This extreme heat may cause the meteoroid to fragment or explode, producing multiple pieces that can appear as a trail of fireballs or a dazzling spectacle in the night sky.
The booms and sonic waves associated with bolides are caused by the shock waves generated by the explosion or fragmentation. These shock waves travel through the atmosphere, creating a loud and often startling noise that can be heard over a wide area. The booms can sometimes be mistaken for earthquakes or sonic booms caused by aircraft.
Canada Meteor Showers
Canada offers prime viewing conditions for numerous meteor showers throughout the year. These celestial displays illuminate the night sky with streaks of light from tiny particles entering Earth’s atmosphere. Some of the most notable showers visible from Canada include:
- January Quadrantids: Peak around January 2-3, with up to 120 meteors per hour.
- April Lyrids: Peak around April 21-22, with up to 18 meteors per hour.
- August Perseids: One of the most spectacular showers, peaking around August 12-13, with up to 60 meteors per hour.
- October Orionids: Peak around October 20-21, with up to 20 meteors per hour.
- December Geminids: Peak around December 14, with up to 120 meteors per hour.
Optimal viewing conditions involve dark, clear skies away from light pollution. Finding a distant location with a wide open view of the sky is recommended.
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