The fragment entered the atmosphere at a fairly steep angle of 50 degrees and became visible 62 miles above the water southwest of Freeport, Bahamas, according to video from three NASA sky meteor cameras throughout Florida.
NASA astronomer Bill Cooke estimated a 900-pound asteroid fragment hit the Earth's atmosphere at 38,000 mph and broke apart about 23 miles above the Atlantic, causing the fireball.
Though Bell noted that these incidents are sporadic and not connected to any meteor shower, he said seeing a fireball is quite common.
"You have a good chance of seeing one of these if you spend a decent amount of time outdoors at night," Bell said.