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A bolide is a large meteor that explodes in the atmosphere, often with a bright flash and loud noise. It is typically brighter than the planet Venus in the sky, and the explosion can sometimes be heard or felt as a shockwave.
The bolide on July 14, 2023, was observed across the Gulf Coast, with reports coming from various locations including parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The exact trajectory and impact area, if any, are usually determined by further analysis from observational data.
A bolide explodes in the atmosphere due to the immense pressure and heat generated as it travels at high speeds through the Earth's atmosphere. The rapid compression of air in front of the meteor causes it to heat up and eventually explode if it is large enough.
As of now, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries resulting from the bolide event on July 14, 2023. Such events are usually more of a spectacular visual and auditory phenomenon rather than a cause of harm, although they can sometimes result in minor damage if fragments reach the ground.
Bolide events are relatively rare but not unheard of. Smaller meteors enter the Earth's atmosphere daily, but large bolides that create significant explosions are less frequent, occurring a few times a year worldwide. The visibility and impact of such events depend on various factors including the size of the meteor and the location of the event.