Residents along the East Coast recently experienced loud booms that caused alarm and curiosity. NASA clarified that these sounds originated from a meteor entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
Meteor Creates Fireball Over Boston Area
A fireball measuring high speed was observed over the Boston area on a Saturday afternoon. According to NASA, the meteor traveled at approximately 75,000 miles per hour before disintegrating about 40 miles above the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.
Upon breaking up, the energy release was comparable to 300 tons of TNT. This massive energy release caused the loud sound that many residents heard. The occurrence was unrelated to a meteor shower.
Public Reaction and Speculations
Before the official explanation by NASA, residents from Boston to Rhode Island speculated on social media about the possible causes. Ideas ranged from a nuclear event to an alien presence. In Medfield, Massachusetts, local resident Rich Sauro recounted hearing the unusual noise while trying to nap.
While rapid online discussions took place, authorities worked to provide accurate information to the public about the origin of the noise.
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