Meteor Explosion Over New England Triggers Loud Booms, Shaking Buildings
5 verified3 unconfirmed1 contested
On Saturday, a meteor exploded high above New England, creating loud sonic booms that were heard across several states including Massachusetts and Rhode Island. NASA confirmed the object was a natural meteor, not space debris, traveling at roughly 120,000 kilometres per hour. The energy released during the fragmentation was equivalent to about 300 tonnes of TNT, according to the agency. Residents described hearing two distinct booms and feeling buildings shake, prompting some to initially suspect an earthquake. No injuries or significant damage were reported. The American Meteor Society noted that the meteor likely either burned up completely or landed in the ocean if any fragments survived. Seismological agencies received shaking reports but confirmed no earthquake was registered on instruments.
What’s verified
A meteor exploded over the northeastern United States on Saturday, producing sonic booms heard in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
NASA stated the object was a natural meteor, not a satellite or debris, traveling at approximately 120,000 km/h.
The energy released was equal to about 300 tonnes of TNT.
Witnesses reported two distinct booms and felt vibrations in buildings.
Despite shaking reports, no seismic event was recorded on seismographs.
Where accounts differ
There is a minor discrepancy in the reported altitude of the meteor’s fragmentation: one source states 60 kilometres, while another indicates roughly 64 kilometres (40 miles). No other conflicting reports identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
The exact size of the meteor, with one source reporting a width of about one meter.
Whether the meteor completely burned up or landed in the ocean.
Reports of sightings extending from Delaware to Montreal come from a single source.
Misconceptions
Sources confirm the event was caused by a natural meteor, not a satellite re-entry or space debris. They also clarify that the shaking was not due to an earthquake.
Key figures
Robert Lunsford, American Meteor Society program monitor
Allard Beutel, NASA spokesperson
Steve Sobie, U.S. Geological Survey spokesperson
Sources: cbc.ca, euronews.com
