Astronomer and science group Vigie-Ciel found an asteroid in the Normandy region of Northern France, centering on the 2023 CX1 fireball, which broke apart in different places. It was seen burning in the atmosphere as it headed straight to Europe, with the individual fireball discovered days later by an 18-year-old part of the research team.
The team's latest discovery was made in a commune called Saint-Pierre-le-Viger, where the meteorite was lying on an open field, awaiting its discovery.
Scientists Discover Remnants of 2023 CX1 Fireball
A recent blog post from Vigie-Ciel and its collaborator, FRIPON, the team behind the recent discovery of a 2023 CX1 Fireball remnant, detailed their monitoring and tracking of the asteroid brought them a coveted meteorite. The famed fireball event occurred last February 12, and researchers claimed that while it was a faint light show in the sky, it delivered one treasured rock to the planet.
According to the team, they discovered the space rock hours later, after they ventured to its landing site in a commune in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region, Saint-Pierre-le-Viger.
It was a phenomenal find, as it is one noticeable rock with a black, glossy finish as it finally cooled down from its fireball state.
The meteorite was part of the SAR 2667 meteor that was seen over Europe, as reported by Krisztián Sárneczky discovered at Konkoly Observatory's Piszkéstető Station.
18-Year-Old Discovers the Meteorite: Good Eye
🤩☄️ FRIPON/Vigie-Ciel retrouve un fragment de l’astéroïde 2023CX1 en Seine Maritime !!! La découverte a été faite par Loïs Leblanc, étudiante de 18 ans, faisant partie de l’équipe de recherche sur le terrain #2023CX1 #SAR2667 pic.twitter.com/gQjp7OqzV0
— Vigie-Ciel (@VigieCiel) February 15, 2023
Vigie-Ciel praises its 18-year-old research and team member, Lois Leblanc, who discovered the green fields in the region.
The art school student and volunteer found the now black rock at around 4:47 PM, shared the discovery with the team, and now to the world.
Earthly Discoveries of Cosmic Entities
Not every day, an asteroid or meteor is on track to enter the Earth's atmosphere and crash toward the planet, and not all arrive in their original sizes. Some space rocks that enter are small enough to disintegrate as they enter the Earth, especially with the massive speeds and temperatures in entering the planet, which is enough to destroy objects.
These are all scientific and astronomical phenomena, centering on the many unprecedented events to take place on the planet and bring new things to the world.
Earlier this year, five new meteorites were discovered in Antarctica's icy plains and deserts, one of the best locations to look for these fallen space rocks.
And while 2023 is only starting, there are already multiple significant happenings on the planet, including two recorded meteorite events and fireballs which spread across Europe. This recent discovery by French researchers is a massive achievement, especially for the up-and-coming 18-year-old Lois Leblanc, who is starting her journey centering on outer space.
