A meteor exploded over the US state of Massachusetts, creating a powerful sonic boom that startled residents and shook homes across parts of the region, NASA has confirmed.
The space rock entered Earth’s atmosphere on May 29 and appeared as a bright fireball before breaking apart high above the ground. The explosion released energy equivalent to around 300 tonnes of TNT, according to scientists.
Many residents reported hearing a loud boom and feeling vibrations in their homes. Some said windows rattled, while others initially feared an earthquake or another major incident.
Witnesses saw a bright streak of light crossing the sky shortly before the explosion. Videos and accounts of the event quickly spread on social media, drawing widespread attention.
NASA said the meteor was only a few feet wide but was travelling at a very high speed when it entered the atmosphere. The intense heat and pressure caused it to disintegrate before reaching the Earth’s surface.
Scientists described the event as an “airburst,” which occurs when a meteor breaks apart in the atmosphere. Such explosions can create strong shockwaves and loud sounds but rarely cause damage on the ground.
The blast was detected by systems that monitor meteor activity and atmospheric events. Experts said it was one of the more notable meteor airbursts recorded in the area in recent years.
Local authorities received several calls from concerned residents after the boom was heard across parts of Massachusetts. Officials later clarified that the sound was caused by the meteor explosion and was not linked to an earthquake or industrial accident.
The incident has sparked public interest in meteor activity, with experts using the opportunity to explain how space rocks interact with Earth’s atmosphere and why some produce dramatic explosions in the sky.
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