Meteor Explodes Over Massachusetts, Sonic Boom Heard Across Region

A meteor's fiery demise over the Atlantic Ocean generated a powerful sonic boom that resonated across Massachusetts and surrounding areas on Tuesday afternoon. NASA reported that the energy unleashed during the meteor's fragmentation was equivalent to the detonation of approximately 300 tons of TNT.

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The energy released during its disintegration is estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, which explains the loud boom.

Witnesses from Boston to Long Island reported seeing a bright fireball around 2 p.m. local time. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's satellite lightning mapper confirmed a signature consistent with a meteor event coinciding with the reported boom. Preliminary analysis suggests the object likely entered Earth's atmosphere over the South Shore near Boston and disintegrated at an altitude of about 64 kilometers (40 miles).

While the event caused a significant auditory disturbance, experts noted that any potential fragments are unlikely to be recovered, especially given the meteor's likely trajectory over the ocean. This incident follows a series of notable meteor events in early 2024, including explosions over Ohio and Texas that produced shockwaves and scattered meteorites.

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It seems the meteor disintegrated at an altitude of 64 kilometers above northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.

Scientists with the American Meteor Society have observed an unusual increase in large fireballs and sonic booms in recent months. The Massachusetts event, confirmed by NASA as a natural object and not space debris, adds to this pattern of increased atmospheric entry events.

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If the meteor fell off the coast of Massachusetts, it is unlikely that its fragments would be found.