Mass stranding of rare whales in Scotland

2025, July 21. Scotland, Orkney, Papa Westray. A mass stranding of three Northern Bottlenose Whales. They were located deceased on one of Orkney's northernmost islands.

Image BBC

Three bottlenose whales found dead in Orkney stranding

Reminder of the July 3 Meteor. Scotland. Large Fireball / Small Airburst. (Electrophonic Meteor). Had delayed and concurrent sound properties. Time: 00:49. The meteor reportedly entered the Earth’s atmosphere at a staggering speed of about 12,427 mph (20,000 km/h) and was visible as brightly as a full moon before disappearing from view. Sound described as a huge sonic boom heard over 230,000 square kilometres. Tremor felt. The sonic boom was heard in UK and Ireland. Travelling East towards North Sea. Seen in England, Northern Ireland and Wales at a distance over 500 km. Parts of the fireball reportedly landed to the north of Ben Cruachan in Argyll. The incredible blast was spotted as far as the Outer Hebrides. Appin witness: “Then maybe 20 to 30 seconds later, an explosive bang.” The meteor was seen above Taynuilt and Fort William, with one person claiming the “huge bang” seemed to “wake up the whole town”. One person expressed their shock, saying: “I thought it was a bomb at first. I almost had a panic attack.” The boom was also “heard and felt” in Benderloch.

Approximate concurrent sound was 256 km from the meteor explosion. 

Approximate delayed sound was 585 km from the meteor explosion.