India, May 31 -- Residents across Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island were left startled Saturday afternoon after a powerful boom echoed across the region. The sound, reported around 2:30 PM EDT, was described by many as an explosion-like noise that could be heard across the Boston area and beyond. The incident quickly sparked reactions, with some locals wondering whether it was related to an earthquake, thunderstorm activity, or military aircraft.

Weather experts soon began examining satellite data and identified what appeared to be an unusual atmospheric event occurring near the Massachusetts coastline. Spaceflight meteorologist Nick Stewart was among the first to suggest a possible explanation.

"Reports of an explosion hears arou...