Some residents discovered fragments of a meteorite that fell and ignited in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa on the morning of August 25.
Scientists from Wits University and NMMU closely monitored the event, including information about the fragments entering Earth’s atmosphere between 8:30 and 9:00 AM local time on August 25. Witnesses reported seeing a bright streak in the sky above St Francis Bay. Some speculated that it might have been space debris from a satellite re-entering the atmosphere at a relatively low orbit, breaking apart as it ignited. The captain of a whale-watching boat observed the object falling into the sea off the coast of St Francis.
Close-up of meteorite fragments. (Photo: Wits University).
However, according to Professor Roger Gibson from the Wits School of Geoscience, based on assessments, this event corresponds to a large rocky asteroid, about the size of a car, entering Earth’s atmosphere at very high speed. Friction with the atmosphere created an impressive fireball, causing it to break apart while flying. Researchers reported that residents found some meteorite fragments near Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape, over 100 kilometers from St Francis Bay.
Wits University is one of the few reputable meteorite repositories in South Africa. Gibson and his colleagues closely track meteorite fall discoveries across the country. The last meteoric event in South Africa occurred in Lichtenburg in 1973. “Meteorites are very rare and have significant scientific value as they reveal the composition and formation of the Solar System. Their interaction with Earth’s atmosphere is also crucial due to the associated potential threats.” Gibson stated.
Only 51 meteorites have been recorded in South Africa, including 22 meteorite falls. Similar to fossils, meteorites are considered national heritage, and any transactions must comply with the South African Heritage Resources Act. Gibson and his colleagues, Professor Lew Ashwal and Dr. Leo Vonopartis, along with Dr. Carla Dodd from the Geoscience department at NMMU, are eager to learn more about the meteorite fall on August 25. According to Gibson, some people heard a sonic boom from Plettenberg Bay, over 200 kilometers away from Gqberha. Many felt ground vibrations caused by the sonic boom.
To the naked eye, meteorites may resemble rocks. However, they typically have a smooth black surface known as fusion crust, which forms when a meteorite burns up in the atmosphere. Many meteorites are magnetic. Experts advise the public to take photos, document the location of the find, wrap the object in aluminum foil, and place it in a zip bag before contacting authorities.
