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A METEOR that streaked across the skies of the north-eastern United States exploded over New England on 30 May, unleashing a blast equivalent to approximately 300 tons of TNT and producing loud sonic booms that startled residents across the region.
The fireball disintegrated at about 2.06pm local time above north-eastern Massachusetts and south-eastern New Hampshire, according to NASA, after entering the atmosphere at a speed of roughly 120,700 kilometres per hour.
AFP cited NASA deputy news chief Jennifer Dooren saying the event was caused by a naturally occurring meteor rather than man-made space debris.
“This fireball was not associated with any currently active meteor shower, but it was a natural object and not a re-entry of space debris or a satellite,” she said.
The meteor fragmented at an altitude of around 64 kilometres above the Earth’s surface, releasing a significant amount of energy that generated shockwaves audible across a wide area.
“The energy released at breakup is estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, which accounts for the loud booms,” Dooren said.
Residents across parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire reported hearing powerful explosions and feeling vibrations strong enough to shake homes, prompting widespread discussion on social media as many sought explanations for the unexpected disturbance.
While meteor sightings are relatively common, events producing such intense sonic booms are less frequent and can cause alarm among communities beneath their flight path.
NASA confirmed that the object was not linked to any active meteor shower and emphasised that it originated naturally from space before breaking apart high in the atmosphere. - May 31, 2026
