Fireball broke apart above Massachusetts, releasing energy equal to nearly 300 tons of TNT.
Image: The Nation
NASA has confirmed that a meteor breaking apart high above New England caused the loud boom heard across parts of Massachusetts and neighboring states on Saturday.
According to NASA, witnesses and NOAA’s GOES-19 satellite detected a bright fireball at approximately 2:06 p.m. local time.
The meteor fragmented about 40 miles (64 kilometres) above northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire. The breakup released energy equivalent to nearly 300 tons of TNT, producing the powerful sound heard across the region.
NASA said its findings were based on satellite data and reports submitted by witnesses to the American Meteor Society.
Residents across eastern Massachusetts, including the Boston area, reported hearing an explosion-like noise that shook homes and alarmed communities. The incident prompted numerous calls to local authorities.
Before NASA confirmed the cause, meteorologists had suggested that the sound may have been linked to a bolide, a particularly bright meteor entering Earth’s atmosphere.
NBC10 meteorologist Pamela Gardner noted that satellite lightning detection systems registered activity near Boston despite no thunderstorms being present. She also pointed out that no earthquakes had been recorded in the area.
Police and fire departments across the region responded to reports from concerned residents. However, officials found no immediate signs of damage or public safety risks.
Authorities said the boom was heard across a wide area, but its source remained unclear until NASA completed its assessment. No injuries or property damage have been reported.
