A sonic boom shook the northeastern United States recently, and it turned out to be caused by a meteor. NASA confirmed this after reviewing satellite images and eyewitness reports. The incident happened on May 30 at 2:06 p.m. EDT, and people across the region heard the loud noise.
NASA noted that the meteor fragmented at about 40 miles above parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The energy released when it broke apart was roughly equivalent to 300 tons of TNT, which explains the booming sound that resonated throughout the area.
Sometimes, meteors are part of yearly meteor showers, which occur when Earth passes through dust and debris left by comets. However, this event was different and wasn’t part of a meteor shower.
Images from the GOES-19 satellite captured the flash of the meteor. The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at Colorado State University shared insights, noting that the satellite’s lightning mapper detected the flash of the fireball. It was a spectacular event, catching the attention of many social media users, who shared their experiences and videos of the occurrence.
Reports of the meteor’s boom reached emergency management agencies, and people described hearing loud noises and feeling vibrations, particularly in eastern Massachusetts. A video shared by the American Meteor Society showcased the fireball streaking through the daytime sky, accompanied by the audible boom.
Interestingly, all fragments of the meteor landed in Cape Cod Bay, making it difficult for meteorite hunters eager to collect pieces. NASA humorously referred to this as a “fishy squisher.” Although the rocks fell into water, they are still reachable. At a depth of about 100 feet, they could be retrieved with the right equipment.
The phenomenon of meteors is captivating. A meteoroid becomes a meteor when it enters Earth’s atmosphere, heating up and often burning up. If it survives the journey and lands on Earth, it’s considered a meteorite. Smaller meteors are common, but experts, including those from the U.S. Space Force, are constantly monitoring the skies for potentially hazardous objects. In recent years, there’s been an increased focus on tracking these celestial bodies, as even small ones can make a significant impact if they come too close to Earth.
For those interested in the science behind meteors and their effects, you can find more information on NASA’s website and other reputable sources on space research.
