Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to track celestial events like fireballs, even when visual evidence is scarce. This innovative approach leverages the sound waves and ground vibrations generated by these phenomena, offering a unique perspective on their behavior. The story of a bright meteor that streaked across Alaska in broad daylight serves as a testament to this method's potential. Despite the lack of clear photographs, a team led by Sandia National Laboratories utilized seismic monitoring stations and infrasound sensors to reconstruct the fireball's path and determine its characteristics. This technique, combined with radar data and public dashcam footage, revealed the object's entry angle, speed, and energy release, equivalent to 38 tons of TNT. The research highlights the importance of utilizing unconventional data sources, such as ground vibrations, to enhance our understanding of celestial events and improve planetary defense strategies.
