tech
Flight paths and fridge magnets: how a fireball hunter tracked down New Zealand’s newest meteorite
A network of cameras helped guide a group of space enthusiasts to New Zealand’s 11th confirmed meteorite
TL;DR
- Citizen astronomer Steve Wyn-Harris found a potential meteorite after a fireball event over New Zealand's North Island.
- A fridge magnet test confirmed the rock contained iron and nickel, typical of meteorites.
- This discovery marks the 11th confirmed meteorite found in New Zealand.
- Fireballs Aotearoa, a network of cameras and scientists, tracked the meteor and predicted potential debris locations.
- Multiple fragments were found, including one on a house driveway.
- The meteorites are classified as 'ordinary chondrites' and likely originated from the asteroid belt.
- Scientists believe these fragments share a common origin with New Zealand's first meteorite discovered in 1863.