Fireball meteor likely caused loud boom in New York, New Jersey, NASA says

NEW JERSEY (WPIX) — Social media was abuzz Tuesday after people in parts of New Jersey and New York City heard a loud boom that may have been a meteor.

NASA’s Meteoroid Environments Office told NewsNation affiliate WPIX that it believes the fireball may have flown about 49 miles above Upper Bay near Greenville Yard in Jersey City.

Based on reports filed on the American Meteor Society website, the fireball may have flown at about 34,000 miles per hour, passed over the Statue of Liberty and disintegrated 29 miles above Midtown, Manhattan.

The estimated trajectory of the fireball that caused a loud boom over New York City and New Jersey on July 16, 2024. (credit: NASA)

Bill Cooke, the lead for NASA’s Meteoroid Environments Office, explained that the estimated trajectory of the fireball is still uncertain since it’s based on a few eyewitness accounts. He said it appears that no meteorites were produced by this event.

Fireballs are defined by NASA as a type of meteor that’s “exceptionally bright” and can be viewed over a wide area. They’re rare to see during the day and are not usually large enough to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. Fragments of fireballs, known as meteorites, can sometimes be found on the ground, according to NASA’s website.

WPIX also reached out to the U.S. Geological Survey to inquire about any possible earthquake activity and received the following response:

“The USGS National Earthquake Information Center received reports of shaking in the northeast New Jersey and Staten Island, New York area. An examination of the seismic data in the area showed no evidence of an earthquake. The USGS has no direct evidence of the source of the shaking. Past reports of shaking with no associated seismic signal have had atmospheric origins such as sonic booms or weather-related phenomena.”

A representative from the New York City Emergency Management Office posted on X, saying “NYCEM is aware of these reports. There are no reported impacts to the city at this time.” He assured residents that any emergency alerts would be issued through @NotifyNYC.

The loud boom and shaking were reported from southern New Jersey to parts of Queens and Brooklyn.