Russian Meteor Injures 1,200

Fans of outer space had a field day on Friday when a 10-ton meteor exploded over Siberia on the same day an asteroid passed perilously close to Earth. The meteor blew out windows throughout the area, and although 1,200 were reported injured—including 200 children—there were apparently no deaths. Although meteors exploding 20 or 30 miles above Earth is not unusual, the fact that this one still sent debris (about 5 percent of its mass) hurtling downward is surprising. Scientists chalk that occurrence up to the meteor possibly having been made of iron. But it was the sonic boom on the meteor's entry that shattered windows and dishes for miles. That's some powerful noise.