Meteor Explosion Over Massachusetts Creates Loud Boom Heard Across Region
Meteor explosion off Massachusetts coast triggers loud boom: Report

Image: News 18
On May 31, a meteor exploded approximately 40 miles above northeastern Massachusetts, producing a loud boom felt across the state and parts of Rhode Island. NASA estimates the explosion released energy equivalent to 300 tons of TNT, startling residents and prompting numerous eyewitness reports.
- 01The meteor exploded at about 2:11 PM Eastern Time, with reports of a loud noise from Boston to Johnston, Rhode Island.
- 02NASA confirmed the meteor fragmented at an altitude of approximately 40 miles (64 km) above the region.
- 03The energy released during the explosion was estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT.
- 04Eyewitness accounts and satellite data helped scientists reconstruct the meteor's path through the atmosphere.
- 05Most meteors burn up harmlessly, but larger ones can create visible fireballs and shock waves.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 31, a meteor exploded in the atmosphere above northeastern Massachusetts, creating a loud boom that was reported across much of the state and into parts of Rhode Island. The explosion occurred around 2:11 PM Eastern Time, startling residents and prompting numerous calls to local news stations. NASA reported that the meteor fragmented at an altitude of approximately 40 miles (64 km) and released energy equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT. Eyewitnesses across the Northeast reported seeing a bright fireball around the same time. Satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) corroborated these reports, detecting a signature consistent with a meteor entering the atmosphere. Shauna Edson, an astronomy educator, noted that while most meteors disintegrate harmlessly, those that survive can provide valuable scientific insights. She emphasized the importance of eyewitness reports and video footage in understanding the meteor's characteristics, even if no fragments are recovered, as they can reveal information about the solar system's origins and evolution.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Residents across Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island experienced a startling event that raised awareness about meteors and their potential impact.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the recent meteor explosion in Massachusetts?
Connecting to poll...
More about NASA

Un meteoro explota en el cielo de EE. UU. convirtiéndose en una bola de fuego
Marca Claro • May 31, 2026

Meteoro explode no sul dos Estados Unidos, causando estrondos audíveis em várias cidades
Noticiasaominuto • May 31, 2026

मैसाचुसेट्स में उल्कापिंड के विस्फोट से मची अफरा-तफरी, वैज्ञानिकों ने दी जानकारी
Zee News • May 31, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




&w=1200&q=75)
