A meteor exploded high above New England on May 30, producing a sonic boom that was heard across parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and neighboring states, including portions of New York.
According to NASA, the meteor entered Earth’s atmosphere at about 2:06 p.m. traveling roughly 75,000 mph. The space rock, known as a fireball, broke apart about 40 miles above northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.
NASA said the meteor released energy equivalent to approximately 300 tons of TNT when it fragmented, generating shock waves that reached the ground as a loud boom and, in some areas, light shaking.
Residents across New England reported hearing an explosion-like sound, rattling windows and feeling their homes shake. Witnesses in several states, including New York, also reported seeing the bright fireball streak across the sky, with some capturing it on security and doorbell cameras.
Officials said the object was a natural meteor, not space debris or a satellite. No injuries or damage were reported.
Similar fireball reported over Western New York
The New England event came just days after a bright meteor was reported over Western New York during the early morning hours of May 27.
The fireball was seen shortly after 5:10 a.m. across the Buffalo area, including Hamburg, Williamsville, Tonawanda and East Amherst.
Witnesses described the meteor as having a yellow or green tint as it streaked across the sky before disappearing, according to Buffalo TV station WIVB.
What causes a meteor sonic boom?
Meteorologists and astronomers said the object was likely a bolide — an exceptionally bright meteor that can produce a sonic boom as it travels through the atmosphere.
When an object moves faster than the speed of sound, it creates a shock wave that can be heard on the ground as a sonic boom.
Large meteors often remain supersonic as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, producing booms that can sound similar to a thunderclap and may rattle windows or shake homes.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Meteor explodes over New England, sonic boom heard in parts of New York
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile and Bill Wolcott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
