231 reports of meteor sightings and sonic booms in Lake City and surrounding areas

According to the American Meteor Society, on Sunday, Feb. 22, there were 231 reports of meteor sightings and loud, sonic booms in Lake City and surrounding areas-- especially Jacksonville. Reports even came from as far as Orlando; Tampa; Palm City, near West Palm Beach; Macon, Ga., and Williamston, Sc. Most reported a bright light in the sky and many reported a “window-rattling delayed boom.” The American Meteor Society asserts the estimated trajectory, plotted from the witness reports, shows the meteor was traveling from the southwest to the northeast and ended its flight about 30 miles due west from Jacksonville. The sonic boom reports are mainly from the meteor's estimated landing point around Lake City. Andrew C. of Lake City reported a “sonic boom that shook the house,” and D.L. of Sanderson, Fl reported a “loud boom, like a canon blast or an explosion.” Reports even stemmed from as close to Madison County as Live Oak. Jackie O, of Live Oak, reported: “my daughter, grandson and I were primitive camping on the Suwannee River; the only light before the fireball was the stars! What a gift.” The American Meteor Society reports that this type of meteor, otherwise referred to as a fireball, which is an especially bright meteor, is rarely spotted. In order to produce a sonic boom, like the one reported near Lake City, a fireball, usually greater than magnitude -8, must penetrate the stratosphere, below an altitude of about 50 km (30 miles), and explode as a bolide. Only then is there a chance the fireball can be heard. This is more likely if the bolide occurs at an altitude angle of about 45 degrees or so from the observer, and is less likely if the bolide occurs overhead or near the horizon. The AMS proceeds to assert that, because sound travels quite slowly, at only about 20 km per minute, it will generally be 1.5 to four minutes after the visual explosion before any sonic boom can be heard. Observers who witness such spectacular events are advised to listen for a full five minutes after the fireball for potential sonic booms. The American Meteor Society encourages anyone who encounters this rare occurrence, to report their sighting immediately. You can report a fireball sighting at http://www.amsmeteors.or-g/members/imo/report_intro.