A meteor has been filmed tearing through the night sky in Vermont before dramatically exploding.
The space rock, thought to be the size of a bowling ball, created a “spectacular” light show for those lucky enough to see it.
According to Nasa Meteor Watch, the meteor smashed into the atmosphere at about 42,000mph (68,000kph). Scientists estimated it weighed 10lb (4.5kg) and was 6ins (15cm) in diameter.
The space agency said a partial vacuum formed behind the meteor as it penetrated deeper into the atmosphere and pressure built up on its front, causing it to disintegrate.
Based on witness accounts, Nasa estimated the meteor first emerged over northern Vermont, 52 miles (84km) above Mount Mansfield State Forest, just east of Burlington, the state’s largest city.
The meteor then moved northeast at 47,000mph — or 21 km per second — and traversed 33 miles (53km) through the upper atmosphere before burning up 33 miles (53km) above Beach Hill in Orleans County, south of Newport.
