Hundreds Report Midwest Fireball as Experts Weigh Space Debris or Space Rock

2 articles · Updated · NBC Chicago · Jun 2

Several hundred sightings poured in Monday night from the Chicago area across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio after a bright fireball streaked overhead, with some residents also reporting a loud boom.
Videos and the object's speed led local experts to say it may have been material burning up in Earth's atmosphere—possibly space debris such as satellite or rocket fragments, though Adler Planetarium said a larger space rock may be more likely.
Michelle Nichols of Adler said the object appeared to follow a path visible from southern Michigan northward and seemed to burn up before reaching the ground, though its exact identity remains undetermined.
Fireballs occur many times a day worldwide, but this one drew unusual attention because it crossed populated areas early in the evening, when many people were outside and cameras were rolling.

Sources

Was the Midwest fireball a natural meteor, or is it evidence of our increasingly cluttered orbit?

A recent fireball surge is hitting North America. Are our skies becoming more hazardous?