Space rock fragments have been spotted in northern Ohio after a meteor streaked through the atmosphere in 12 states on Tuesday.
The fireball was first visible over Lake Erie before moving southeast at about 40,000 mph, according to NASA. The agency estimated that the event was caused by an asteroid about 6 feet in diameter and weighing about 7 tons.
Photo shows possible fragments of a meteorite discovered March 18, 2026, in Windfall, Ohio. A large meteor was spotted in the area on March 17, 2026. (Image credit: Roberto Vargas)
Roberto Vargas of Windfall, Ohio, was one of the first to report the discovery of possible meteorite fragments. Photos shared with AccuWeather showed a black, rock-like object consistent with a freshly fallen meteorite.
NASA analysis suggests the discovery was made within a projected debris field, where there may still be more debris waiting to be discovered.
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, NOAA’s GOES lightning mapper saw a fireball meteor over Cleveland, Ohio. (Image source: NOAA GOES EAST)
Three weather radars detected falling meteorites, including systems in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, according to data from NASA’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Sciences Office. The mapped debris field indicates that potential debris could be dispersed from the Easton area to Cleveland.
Red shows where a meteorite of about 10 kilograms would land if it were produced this fall. Dark orange is about 1kg, orange is about 100g, light orange is about 10g, and yellow is about 1g or less. (Image source: NASA)
Anyone who thinks they have found a meteorite should handle it carefully using clean gloves, pliers, or new aluminum foil to avoid contamination. NASA says meteorites are harmless, but proper handling helps maintain their scientific value.
After securing the object in a clean zipper bag, it can be submitted for analysis through one of the organizations listed here.
