A loud boom was heard across Southeast Texas on March 21. In Spring, the event left a hole in Sherrie James' roof and a meteorite near her daughter's bed, according to James. She told KPRC 2 that the rock hit the floor and landed between a television and the bed. A firefighter noticed its unusual weight, and researchers later examined it.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science's new exhibit, Fall To Earth, opens to the public Nov. 6. Admission is free. Dr. Carolyn Sumners, the museum's vice president of astronomy, said the exhibit will cover both the science and the human story behind the meteorite's arrival.
Researchers have recovered 19 fragments around Houston, according to KPRC 2 coverage. Rice University scientists have proposed the name "Houston" for the meteorite. The name is pending approval by the Meteoritical Society. KPRC 2 reported that the object entered the atmosphere at about 35,000 mph and broke apart above the Houston area. James said she feels "blessed" that the rock came to her.