Satellite Data Records Bolide Meteor Exploding Right Beside Gulf Coast Of Florida

A meteor — a particularly large and bright type known as a bolide meteor — detonated high above in the atmosphere Monday night around the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The Tallahassee office of the National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the explosion occurred at approximately 11:50 p.m. The event was detected by the GOES Lightning Mapper (GLM).

It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s a bolide meteor! A bolide is a large, bright meteor that explodes in the atmosphere. Around 11:50 pm ET last night, one streaked across the sky and exploded high above the Gulf—no harm reported. GLM even picked up the energy signal! #FLwx pic.twitter.com/4k2zWitVPo

— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) February 4, 2026

The GLM, a satellite product used to track lightning activity, recorded the intense energy pulse released during the bolide’s dramatic breakup over the Gulf of America.

NWS Tallahassee received the initial report from a resident in Wakulla County, Florida, who called to say he witnessed the explosion in the sky.

We first learned of last night’s bolide meteor after a caller from Wakulla County reported seeing it last night. His report was confirmed by this satellite product which normally tracks lightning.

— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) February 4, 2026

Both fireballs and bolides refer to extremely luminous meteors visible across vast distances. The two terms are frequently used interchangeably, according to NASA.

However, a bolide specifically denotes a fireball that explodes as it travels through the atmosphere. (RELATED: Bald Eagle Discovered With Gunshot Wound To Be Euthanized)

Fortunately, NWS Tallahassee confirmed that the bolide caused no damage or injuries.