Categories: WORLD

Twin explosions, equivalent to 300 tons of TNT: Everything you need to know about the meteor explosion over Massachusetts

NASA said a meteor exploded over the northeastern United States on Saturday (local time), releasing an explosion equivalent to 300 tons of TNT and causing a huge roar in the area.

Loud bangs were heard in parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (Representative Photo/Unsplash)

The explosion was so powerful that windows rattled, buildings shook, and people in Massachusetts and New Hampshire panicked.

NASA officials have confirmed that the meteor was a natural material, not a satellite or space debris, and entered the atmosphere at 2:06 pm local time.

Also read: Boston meteor explosion latest: Experts reveal what happened in Massachusetts. New bolide news

Here’s everything you need to know about the meteor crash:

  • Sudden shaking of buildings was reported in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It was spotted by people from Delaware to Montreal, who either heard a double explosion or saw a fireball. Police and other agencies received several calls as they scrambled to understand the cause of the double boom.
  • Some people in the northeastern United States reported seeing the fireball around 2 p.m. Saturday. NASA said the meteor may have entered the atmosphere on the South Shore near Boston.
  • NASA said the fireball was not related to any “active meteor shower, but it was a natural object and not the re-entry of space debris or satellites,” according to AFP.
  • The meteor, traveling at 120,000 km/h (75,000 mph), was estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT after fragmenting about 60 kilometers above the ground.

Also read: Boston meteor explosion: Where did the bolide explode today? New Cape Cod Bay visuals appear

  • “It was definitely larger than a normal fireball, about a yard across,” American Meteor Society project director Robert Lunsford told The Associated Press.
  • Social media was flooded with videos from across New England, several of which captured what sounded like two rapid explosions with no fire, smoke or other visual cause.
  • Meteors enter the atmosphere at such high speeds, but most of them are only the size of pebbles or grains of sand. Most meteors burn harmlessly in the atmosphere, but larger meteors can survive and create fireballs and roaring shockwaves.
WEB DESK TEAM

Our team of more than 15 experienced writers brings diverse perspectives, deep research, and on-the-ground insights to deliver accurate, timely, and engaging stories. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, they are committed to credibility, clarity, and responsible journalism across every category we cover.

Recent Posts

Japan’s defense minister slams China at security meeting

Japan's defense minister took a veiled swipe at China on Sunday, pledging to continue building up its military despite Beijing's…

55 seconds ago

Pentagon chief says AUKUS will develop unmanned underwater vehicles

SINGAPORE: The United States, Britain and Australia are jointly developing unmanned underwater vehicles as part of the trilateral Orcus Defense…

27 minutes ago

China expels New York Times reporter for interview with Taiwan president

China expelled a New York Times reporter over the US newspaper's interview with Taiwanese leaders, as Beijing steps up efforts…

1 hour ago

Graham Platner posts shirtless selfie wearing only towel on Kik ‘predator paradise’ app

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner continues to make headlines with reports on Saturday that he maintains an active profile…

2 hours ago

PSG’s Champions League celebrations spark clashes in France; 416 people arrested, 7 police officers injured

More than 400 people were arrested across France and seven police officers were injured after celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions…

2 hours ago

Who is Graham Plattner’s wife? 5 things you need to know about Amy Gertner’s explicit text messages

Amy Gertner, the wife of Maine Senate candidate Graham Plattner, has previously claimed that her husband exchanged sexually explicit text…

3 hours ago