Meteor Sparks Meteorite Scavenger Hunt in Southeast Texas

NASA releases map estimating where fragments may have landed after a meteor streaked across Houston skies.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:44pm

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After a meteor passed over Houston on Saturday, locals are on the hunt for fallen meteorite fragments. NASA's Astromaterials Research & Exploration Sciences (ARES) division released a map estimating where meteorite falls may have landed in the Houston area, providing guidance to meteorite hunters on where to search.

Why it matters

The meteor sighting and potential meteorite discovery is an exciting scientific event for the Houston community, as it provides an opportunity for citizen scientists to participate in the search and recovery of extraterrestrial material. This can lead to valuable insights about the composition and origin of the meteor.

The details

The meteor passed over Southeast Texas around 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, traveling at about 35,000 miles per hour and breaking apart about 29 miles above Bammel. NASA estimated the fragmentation of the meteor weighed about one ton with a three-foot diameter. One resident of Bammel reported a meteorite had crashed through her roof, and crews found an unusual rock that they believe is related to the meteor sightings.

  • The meteor passed over Southeast Texas around 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • NASA released a map estimating where meteorite falls may have landed in the Houston area on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The players

NASA ARES

The Astromaterials Research & Exploration Sciences (ARES) division of NASA that released the map estimating where meteorite falls may have landed in the Houston area.

Justin Stapleton

A KPRC2 Meteorologist who posted on X about the meteorite hunt.

Bammel resident

A resident of Bammel who reported a meteorite had crashed through their roof.

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What they’re saying

“Who's ready for a space scavenger hunt?”

— Justin Stapleton, Meteorologist

“The ... weather radars show signatures of falling meteorites over...about an eight-minute period.”

— NASA ARES

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This meteor sighting and potential meteorite discovery highlights the excitement and scientific value that can come from citizen participation in the search for extraterrestrial materials. The Houston community has an opportunity to contribute to our understanding of the composition and origin of this meteor.