A meteor traveling at nearly 75,000 mph exploded over the northeastern United States
May 31, 2026: A meteor streaking through Earth’s atmosphere exploded over the northeastern United States, creating a loud double boom that was heard across parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. According to NASA, the event released energy equivalent to approximately 300 tons of TNT, explaining the powerful sound that shook buildings and startled residents across the region.
The meteor, estimated to be about three feet wide, entered the atmosphere near the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, north of Boston. NASA officials said the fireball fragmented at around 2:06 pm local time over northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire. The object was traveling at nearly 75,000 miles per hour and broke apart at an altitude of about 40 miles above the ground.
Residents reported hearing two distinct booms, with many taking to social media to describe shaking homes and windows. Videos circulating online captured the sound of the blasts, though no visible fire, smoke, or damage was reported. NASA clarified that the object was a natural meteor and was not connected to any active meteor shower, satellite re-entry, or space debris.