Was The Big Boom A Bolide?

Remember that big boom on Friday night that had people all along the Connecticut shoreline and Long Island calling 911 to ask what had happened? 

It isn't clear what it was, but some of our readers asked whether it might have been a bolide, which is an informal term for a meteor, or falling star. The American Meteor Society says there is a chance it might have been related to the Lyrids Meteor Shower. 

"Yes, it may be related to the Lyrids Meteor Shower," said Vincent Perlerin, PhD, responding for the American Meteor Society. Still, he added the America Meteor Society did not receive any specific reports that could correspond to an event over Connecticut or Long Island on April 20, 2013. 

Other theories about the boom include weird thunder, or maybe a sonic boom from a military jet leaving Boston, MA. 

Perlerin said the Lyrids Meteor Shower will be visible now through April 26, peaking during the predawn hours of Sunday, April 21, and Monday, April 22.

"While Lyrid meteors can be seen in both hemispheres, the north is favored as the radiant lies much higher in the sky," Pelerin said. "Hourly rates at maximum are expected to be 10-15 shower members during the short time between moon set and dawn, when the sky is totally dark. Unfortunately, the moon will be 90% full this year." 

If you're planning to head out, here are some observing tips from the American Meteor Society. And, be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out.