Meteor Fragments Just Hit the Southeast U.S. Here's What to Know

"The inner solar system was violent 4 billion years ago, with a heavy bombardment lasting 500 million years, which has since calmed significantly."

"Despite the calm, Earth still encounters thousands of meteors, totaling about 48.5 tons per year entering the atmosphere."

"Recently, a space boulder exploded over several states, causing sonic booms mistaken for earthquakes, with debris crashing through a home in Georgia."

"The event coincided with the Bootid meteor shower, which takes place every 6.37 years when Earth passes through comet remnants."

The inner solar system has calmed significantly from its chaotic state 4 billion years ago during the heavy bombardment period, which lasted roughly 500 million years. Nevertheless, meteoric activity continues, with thousands of objects entering Earth's atmosphere annually. A recent incident over several states featured a space boulder causing a loud sonic boom and damage to a home in Georgia. This event occurred during the Bootid meteor shower, a periodic occurrence linked to comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke, highlighting ongoing cosmic activity despite the overall tranquility in the solar system.

Read at time.com