Ankara: NASA announced that a meteor breaking apart high above the New England region was responsible for a loud boom heard across parts of Massachusetts and neighboring states. The startling event occurred earlier in the day, capturing the attention of residents and authorities alike.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US space agency reported via social media platform X that the phenomenon was detected by both witnesses and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) GOES-19 satellite. The bright fireball was observed at 2:06 pm local time (1806 GMT), as it fragmented at an altitude of approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) above northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.

NASA explained that the energy released during the meteor's breakup was estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, which accounted for the loud noise that reverberated across the region. This assessment was based on satellite observations and witness reports submitted to the American Meteor Society.

Residents from eastern Massachusetts, including Boston and surrounding areas, reported hearing a powerful explosion-like sound that rattled homes. The noise prompted numerous calls to local authorities, who initially struggled to identify the source. NBC10 meteorologist Pamela Gardner had earlier speculated that the boom could have been caused by a bolide, a bright meteor entering the Earth's atmosphere, noting unusual satellite lightning detection around Boston without any accompanying lightning or earthquake activity.

Emergency services across the region, including police and fire departments, received reports from concerned residents but found no immediate signs of damage or threats to public safety. Authorities confirmed that the sound was widely heard, but its origin remained a mystery until NASA's confirmation. Fortunately, no injuries or damage have been reported following the event.