What observers say
“Heard the loudest boom just now in northeast OH. People heard it as far as Avon. What was that? Meteor? @NWSCLE,” tweeted local resident @jacecraftmiller, capturing the shock felt across the region on March 17, 2026. This loud boom was confirmed by NASA to be caused by a 7-ton asteroid that entered the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a significant event for the city of Cleveland and surrounding areas.
The asteroid, approximately 6 feet in size, traveled at an astonishing speed of about 40,000 miles per hour. It was reported that the meteor traveled about 34 miles through the atmosphere before fragmenting approximately 30 miles above Valley City, Ohio. The energy released during this fragmentation was equivalent to 250 tons of TNT, leading to a sonic boom that resonated throughout the area.
Eyewitnesses reported the sound as similar to an explosion, with many residents noting that their homes shook from the force. The American Meteor Society received over 100 reports of the event from multiple states, including accounts from at least ten states and Ontario, Canada. The widespread nature of the reports indicates just how far the impact of the meteor was felt.
The National Weather Service confirmed the phenomenon was likely a meteor after analyzing satellite imagery. “The latest GLM imagery (1301Z) does suggest that the boom was a result of a meteor,” stated the NWS Cleveland. This confirmation provided reassurance to residents who were startled by the unexpected noise.
Another resident recounted, “Heard it on the east side of Cleveland. Sounded like a bomb or dynamite going off. My house shook.” Such descriptions highlight the intensity of the event and the surprise it caused among those who experienced it firsthand.
Experts believe that some fragments of the meteor may have survived the descent and fallen as meteorites. Despite the dramatic nature of the event, no injuries or damage have been confirmed as a result of the meteor strike. This is particularly noteworthy, as meteors striking populated areas are uncommon, despite the fact that meteors enter the atmosphere daily.
As investigations continue, the National Weather Service and other agencies are expected to provide further updates on the event and any potential meteorite recoveries. Details remain unconfirmed, but the excitement and curiosity surrounding the meteor’s passage through the atmosphere have certainly captured the attention of both local residents and the scientific community.
