Sonic Boom Shakes Southeast Texas as Meteor Streaks Across Sky

NASA data shows the meteor released 26 tons of TNT equivalent energy upon disintegration.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:20pm

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An abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals in earthy tones, representing the explosive forces of a meteor breaking apart in the atmosphere.The sonic boom from a disintegrating meteor shakes a Texas community, exposing the power and unpredictability of the natural world.Houston Today

A meteor streaking across the sky in southeast Texas on March 21st created a powerful sonic boom that shook houses and startled residents. The event was captured on video by numerous eyewitnesses and confirmed by the American Meteor Society. NASA data revealed the meteor unleashed an astonishing 26 tons of TNT equivalent energy upon disintegration, generating the pressure wave that was felt at ground level.

Why it matters

Meteor events like this, while not uncommon, are still relatively rare and provide valuable scientific data to help understand the dynamics of these celestial phenomena. The sonic boom also highlights the potential impact these events can have on local communities, raising questions about preparedness and public awareness.

The details

The meteor's path was tracked by the GOES East 19 Satellite, which detected the green flash as it entered the atmosphere at 4:40 PM. Residents in Waller County, including Judge Trey Duhon, reported feeling the intense sonic boom that shook their homes. The American Meteor Society received multiple reports from eyewitnesses across the region who witnessed the meteor's fiery descent.

  • The meteor was detected by the GOES East 19 Satellite at 4:40 PM on March 21st, 2026.
  • The sonic boom was reported by residents in Waller County, Texas shortly after the meteor's disintegration.

The players

Luis Jasso

A resident of Katy, Texas who captured video footage of the meteor.

Trey Duhon

The Waller County Judge who reported feeling the intense sonic boom that shook houses.

American Meteor Society

An organization that received multiple reports from eyewitnesses across the region confirming the meteor event.

NASA

The space agency that provided data on the energy release of the meteor upon disintegration.

GOES East 19 Satellite

The satellite that detected the meteor's entry into the atmosphere and the resulting green flash.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This meteor event serves as a reminder of the power and beauty of the universe, as well as the importance of scientific exploration and public awareness. The sonic boom, while startling, highlights the need for continued research and preparedness when it comes to these celestial phenomena.