The American Meteor Society says it has a picture of the meteorite that fell to the Earth this week and captured the hearts and minds of the Rio Grande Valley.
The news broke on Wednesday evening as a fireball soared over Mission, at first stirring concerns of an explosion that shook houses then turning to awe after NASA confirmed that the meteor entered the atmosphere over the 956.
On Thursday night, NASA confirmed that the fireball that shot across the sky was a meteoroid that weighed about 1,000 pounds and was about 2 feet in diameter.
“The angle and speed of entry, along with signature in weather radar imagery, are consistent with other naturally occurring meteorite falls,” NASA said.
The space agency said meteorite fragments likely fell in Starr County.
The loud sound over western Hidalgo County was likely a sonic boom, according to Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra.
The cosmic event captivated residents in South Texas, making headlines for the duration of the week and spawning speculation and, of course, memes.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
>> NASA believes meteorite fragments may have fallen in Starr County
>> Meteor soars over Mission; NASA indicates fragments may have fallen in Starr County
>> American Meteor Society says the fireball seen over Mission did not strike the ground
>> Hidalgo County sheriff confirms meteor fell west of McAllen
