Radar and Infrasound Observations of the 2026 May 30 Cape Cod Bay Superbolide
Authors: Juha Vierinen, Ryan Volz, Marc Fries, Elizabeth A. Silber, Sarah Albert, Philip J. Erickson, Matthias Clahsen, Frank D. Lind, Nico Pfeffer, John Swoboda, Allan Weatherwax, Simon G. Shepherd, Jorge L. Chau
Abstract
Metre-scale impactors connect near-Earth-object dynamics, atmospheric-entry physics and meteorite delivery, but their pre-impact orbits and material properties are rarely measured together, especially for daylight events. We report observations of the 30 May 2026 Cape Cod Bay bolide. A very high frequency (VHF) meteor radar network detected atmospheric-entry plasma, weather radars detected falling meteorites, and infrasound sensors recorded the associated hypervelocity shock. VHF radar range--Doppler measurements resolve the meteor head echo from about 90 to 71 km altitude, while interferometric measurements localize short-lived non-specular plasma wake echoes down to an unusually low altitude of $\sim 30$ km. We identify this as the radar terminus, where breakup is expected to occur. A combined head-echo and trail fit constrains a steep southeastward trajectory over coastal Massachusetts. Weather-radar detections refine the dark-flight solution, place the likely fall region in Cape Cod Bay and constrain probable fragment sizes. Backward propagation of the fitted trajectory gives a heliocentric orbit near the cometary--asteroidal classification boundaries, with conflicting classifications from empirical dynamical criteria. Catalogue comparisons identify no convincing parent body or established meteor-shower association. Regional infrasound independently supports the terminal fragmentation region and yields an energy estimate of 0.5 kt TNT equivalent. The radar and dark-flight evidence are consistent with a dense, mechanically strong meteoroid, possibly iron-rich. The combination of meteor-radar plasma tracking, weather-radar observations of falling meteorites and infrasound measurements can provide accurate orbital elements and trace large meteoroids from atmospheric entry to nearly ground impact.
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