How common are fireballs streaking across the sky?
ABC News
Rocks from outer space are constantly hurtling toward Earth, slamming into the atmosphere and often exploding into fireballs that both delight and alarm people
The Earth is under assault. Space rocks are constantly hurtling toward us, slamming into the atmosphere and often exploding into fireballs that both delight and alarm.
Thankfully, the vast majority cause no damage because they are pulverized into dust or small chunks by the journey to Earth.
A fireball streaked across the sky near Cleveland this week, caused by what was thought to be a space rock nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) across and weighing 7 tons. It was seen from Wisconsin to Maryland, according to the American Meteor Society.
It traveled more than 34 miles (55 kilometers) through the upper atmosphere before breaking apart, according to NASA. No fragments have been found yet.
As dramatic as it was, it was also incredibly common. Here's what to know:
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