Meteor Explodes Off Coast of Massachusetts, Causing Loud Boom A meteor exploded off the coast of Massachusetts on Saturday afternoon, causing a loud boom that was heard throughout the state and as far as Rhode Island. NASA estimated the energy released by the meteor’s breakup to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT. Meteors create sonic booms by tearing through the atmosphere at high speeds, generating powerful shock waves similar to supersonic jets.

• 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.