Meteor explodes over US, produces 300-ton TNT equivalent blast

May 31, 2026 / 8:02 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: A meteor entering Earth’s atmosphere exploded over the northeastern United States on Saturday, NASA said, producing loud booms across the region with an estimated energy release equivalent to 300 tons of TNT.

Fireball breaks up over Massachusetts and New Hampshire

NASA confirmed the fireball broke apart at 2:06 pm (1806 GMT) over northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire. Officials said it was a natural object, not space debris or a satellite re-entry.

High-speed entry causes shockwave and loud booms

The meteor was traveling at around 75,000 mph at an altitude of about 40 miles when it disintegrated. The explosion generated shockwaves that startled residents, with reports of shaking homes and loud sonic booms.

NASA confirms natural event, not meteor shower

NASA said the object was not linked to any active meteor shower, but was a natural space rock entering Earth’s atmosphere. The energy released at breakup caused the audible blasts heard across the region.