Texans Hear Sonic Boom, See Fireball; U.S. Strategic Command Says It Was Probably A Meteorite

February 16, 2009 7:46 a.m. EST

Dallas, TX (AHN) - Texans from Dallas to Austin reported seeing at least one fire ball in the sky and hearing sonic booms Sunday at midday.

A red and orange fireball with a small black center was seen by many as it sped toward earth, but it burned out in the sky, leaving a trail of white smoke.

FAA officials said there was no interference with flights and no reports of ground strikes or injuries.

The U.S. Strategic Command said it was likely a meteorite or other natural phenomenon. The agency says it has been monitoring the space debris from the recent collision of two Russian and U.S. satellites in space, and that none of the debris was in the vicinity of where the fireball appeared.