NASA Explains How Meteor Sparked Sonic Boom Over Massachusetts
Summary
A loud boom heard across Massachusetts and nearby areas on May 30 was caused by a fast-moving meteor breaking apart high in the sky. NASA confirmed the meteor exploded about 40 miles above the ground, releasing energy equal to 300 tons of TNT and creating a powerful sonic boom.Key Facts
- The boom happened around 2:06 p.m. Eastern Time in eastern Massachusetts.
- Many people reported hearing the explosion-like noise and feeling vibrations through buildings.
- NASA tracked a bright fireball, which was the meteor entering Earth's atmosphere over New England.
- The meteor broke apart about 40 miles above northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire.
- The energy released when the meteor fragmented was about equal to 300 tons of TNT.
- The explosion caused a shock wave that sounded like a large blast, shaking windows and buildings.
- Witnesses also saw a bright fireball in the daylight sky, which is unusual for meteors.
- The meteor was estimated to be about a yard (3 feet) wide, larger than typical fireballs.
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