Scientists find ‘Sodom’ was wiped out by air-bursting meteor

A study in Scientific Reports reveals that the ancient city of Tal El Hamam was destroyed by a massive airborne explosion, possibly caused by a meteorite composed mostly of ice. This event, occurring 3-6 hundred years ago, may have inspired the biblical story of Sodom. The explosion, with the power of 1000 atom bombs, resulted in a firestorm and pressure waves that obliterated the city, located near the Dead Sea in Jordan. The intense heat and shockwave caused immediate destruction, blinding city dwellers and igniting materials. The aftermath included melted weapons and bricks, with charred debris raining down on distant villages.

What was the estimated time frame during which the explosion occurred?

What might the explosion at Tal El Hamam have inspired in biblical texts?

What evidence suggests that Tal El Hamam was destroyed by a meteorite?

How did the explosion affect the city dwellers of Tal El Hamam?

Describe the aftermath of the explosion in terms of the physical destruction observed.