A meteor exploded over the northeastern United States on Saturday, releasing energy equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, according to NASA. The fireball broke apart at an altitude of around 40 miles (64 kilometres) above northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire, creating loud sonic booms that were heard across New England.
The unexpected blasts prompted concern among residents, with reports of shaking buildings and loud noises emerging from several states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Social media users described hearing two distinct booms, while others said the vibrations were strong enough to rattle homes and apartments.
NASA said the object was a natural meteor travelling at approximately 75,000 miles per hour (120,000 kilometres per hour) when it fragmented in the atmosphere. The agency stressed that it was not linked to any active meteor shower and was not a piece of space debris or a satellite re-entry.
A Massachusetts resident interviewed by local media compared the sensation to a minor earthquake, saying she felt a noticeable vibration inside her fourth-floor apartment. No injuries or significant damage were immediately reported.
