Meteor Explosion Creates Sonic Boom Over Massachusetts

Meteor Causes Loud Boom in Massachusetts

A meteor burst into the atmosphere off the coast of Massachusetts, resulting in a loud explosion that resonated across the state on Saturday afternoon, as reported by WBZ-TV Chief Meteorologist Eric Fisher. Satellite observations indicated that the meteor entered the atmosphere over the South Shore, close to Boston. Numerous calls flooded the WBZ-TV newsroom, with residents from Boston to Ipswich and Johnston, Rhode Island, reporting the startling sound.

Spaceflight meteorologist Nick Stewart was quick to provide insights, suggesting that the loud noise was likely due to a significant bolide or meteor entering the atmosphere. He noted on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, that a large flash was detected by the GOES-19 satellite, which did not align with any active thunderstorms. Stewart later elaborated on his findings, stating that the flash density product indicated a distinctive flash typical of a bolide or meteor reentry east of Boston, which likely caused the loud boom.

According to local media reports from WCVB, several viewers shared their experiences. One resident from Melrose remarked, "The whole house, in fact, all houses in the neighborhood shook. It was much louder than a transformer explosion and definitely not an earthquake." Another viewer from Wellesley noted, "We heard what sounded like an explosion about 10 minutes ago, and it was felt in many areas." A Newtonville resident added, "It startled my dog and made me think a large tree had fallen due to the wind."