On February 15, 2023, residents of South Texas heard loud booms and felt the ground shake when a 1,000-pound meteorite exploded in the atmosphere above Hidalgo County. The fireball, moving at an astonishing 27,000 miles per hour, lit up the sky before disintegrating and scattering fragments near McAllen. NASA later confirmed the incident and encouraged anyone who found pieces to report them for scientific study. But what actually happens when a meteorite lands—and what should you do if you think you’ve found one?
How Common Are Meteorites in the U.S.?
While spectacular fireballs like the one over South Texas are rare, Earth is constantly bombarded by small space rocks. According to NASA, an estimated 48.5 tons of meteoritic material falls on Earth every day. Most burn up in the atmosphere, but some survive the journey and land as meteorites.
In the U.S., meteorite falls are occasionally recovered, especially in open areas like deserts or farmlands where dark rocks stand out. Texas, with its wide skies and open landscapes, has seen several such events over the years.
What Happened in South Texas?
The February 2023 explosion near McAllen was caused by a meteoroid roughly two feet in diameter entering Earth’s atmosphere. The force of its entry produced sonic booms heard across the Rio Grande Valley. Although it broke apart mid-air, fragments were recovered from the surrounding area.
NASA and local authorities emphasized that no injuries or property damage occurred. They also issued a rare public call for help: if you find any suspected meteorite fragments, report them to the Smithsonian Institution for further analysis.
How to Identify a Meteorite
Meteorites can look surprisingly ordinary—like dark, dense rocks. But they have a few telltale features:
- Fusion crust: A thin, dark, sometimes glossy coating from burning through the atmosphere
- Metal content: Many meteorites are magnetic due to high iron levels
- Weight: They’re often much heavier than typical Earth rocks
- Shape: Most are irregular but smoothed by heat and motion
If you find a rock you suspect is a meteorite, don’t wash it. Photograph it in place and contact a nearby university, museum, or the Smithsonian’s meteorite experts.
Why Meteorite Recovery Matters
Every meteorite tells a story—about the early solar system, asteroid activity, and planetary formation. By studying them, scientists can learn more about the origins of Earth and the conditions that shaped life.
NASA’s open call following the Texas event helped ensure that valuable samples weren’t lost or discarded. “We encourage the public to share information about possible finds,” said NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office in a public statement.
Who Owns a Meteorite in the U.S.?
If you find a meteorite on private property you own, it’s legally yours. But if it falls on public land, like a national park, it belongs to the federal government. It’s best to report your find and seek guidance before attempting to sell or move it.
Final Thoughts
The South Texas fireball of 2023 may have been a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle—but it also reminded many Texans to keep their eyes on the skies. Whether you’re a skywatcher or a rock collector, knowing what to do in the event of a meteorite fall can help preserve valuable scientific material—and maybe even put your town on the cosmic map.
