Massachusetts, May 31 -- A meteor exploded high above the northeastern United States on Saturday afternoon (local time), producing a "loud boom" that was heard across much of Massachusetts and parts of neighbouring states, according to CBS News.

The explosion occurred around 2:11 pm Eastern Time, with numerous residents reporting a sudden "bang" that "rattled windows, startled pets, and even shook some homes." CBS Boston affiliate WBZ-TV received dozens of calls from viewers who heard the " loud explosion" from the Boston area to Ipswich, Massachusetts, and as far away as Johnston, Rhode Island.

According to NASA, the meteor fragmented at an altitude of approximately 40 miles (64 km) above northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New...