A family in Georgia, USA, had an otherworldly surprise when a meteorite crashed through their roof, narrowly avoiding them in what experts describe as an extraordinarily rare event.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the quiet town of Stockbridge, Georgia. Homeowner Aleisha Johnson described hearing a "loud explosion" before discovering a gaping hole in her ceiling and a smouldering rock embedded in the floor.
"It sounded like a bomb went off," Johnson told local reporters. "We're just thankful no one was hurt. It missed my son's bed by mere feet."
Scientific Investigation Underway
NASA scientists have since confirmed the object was indeed a meteorite - a fragment from space that survived its fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere. The space agency has collected the debris for further analysis.
Dr. Emma Richardson, an astrophysicist at the University of Georgia, explained: "Meteorite impacts on buildings are exceptionally rare - we're talking odds of one in several million. This is a scientifically significant event."
Homeowners Face Unexpected Repairs
While the Johnsons escaped physical harm, their home suffered significant damage. Insurance companies typically cover meteorite damage under standard policies, though claims adjusters say this is the first such case they've encountered.
The family has temporarily relocated while repairs are made. Local contractors have jokingly offered to install "meteorite-proof" roofing materials.
Meteor Shower Season Brings Increased Activity
The incident coincides with the peak of the annual Eta Aquariids meteor shower, though experts say this particular rock wasn't part of the shower. Astronomers remind skywatchers that while spectacular, meteor showers pose virtually no danger to people on the ground.
For the Johnson family, however, this cosmic encounter has left them looking skyward with newfound caution. "I never thought I'd need to worry about space rocks," Aleisha remarked. "Now we'll always check the weather - and the asteroid forecast."
