A mystery boom that shook New England was caused by a 3-foot meteor, according to experts. The meteor fragmented around 40 miles in the sky, causing a loud boom that was felt in Buffalo. On Sunday, May 31, 2026, NASA said the meteor's energy breakup was "estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT." The boom was heard by residents in Buffalo's Elmwood Village neighborhood, who reported being startled by the loud noise.
"The meteor fragmented around 40 miles in the sky," according to a statement from NASA.
The incident highlights the importance of NASA's meteor tracking programs, which help scientists detect and track near-Earth objects. Buffalo residents can rest assured that NASA is working to detect and track potential threats from space. The study of the meteor's trajectory may also provide valuable insights into the Earth's atmosphere and the effects of meteorite fragmentation. University at Buffalo scientists may be interested in studying the meteor's remains to learn more about its composition and origin. As the summer months approach, Buffalo residents can expect to see more meteor showers in the night sky.
Looking ahead, NASA will continue to monitor the skies for potential threats, with a possible update on its meteor tracking programs expected in the coming weeks.