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Meteor Explodes Off Coast of Massachusetts, Causing Loud Boom
Updated on: May 30, 2026 / 6:56 PM EDT / CBS Boston
TL;DR
- A meteor exploded off the coast of Massachusetts, causing a loud boom heard across the state and neighboring areas.
- NASA stated the energy released by the meteor's breakup was equivalent to approximately 300 tons of TNT.
- The event occurred around 2:11 p.m. ET on Saturday, with numerous reports of a loud bang.
- Sightings of the fireball were reported across multiple Northeastern states.
- Satellite data confirmed a signature consistent with a meteor entering the atmosphere over the South Shore near Boston.
- Meteors create sonic booms due to the powerful shock waves generated as they travel at extremely high speeds through the atmosphere.
- It is statistically unlikely for a meteor to hit a person; only one documented case exists.
- The event follows a series of other high-profile fireball and sonic boom incidents reported in North America in 2026.