Public meteorite hunt after large fireball streaks over New Zealand

A very bright fireball was seen over Otago and Canterbury, New Zealand at 08:04 UTC (21:04 LT) on March 13, 2024. Analysis shows that some 0.5 km (1.1 pounds) of the object survived the entry and ended up scattered on the ground in MacKenzie Country. A public search for meteorites is scheduled for March 21.

A camera network belonging to the Fireballs Aotearoa group shows the rock was visible from 90 km (55.9 miles) to 25 km (15.5 miles) elevation and slowed from 18 km/s to 5 km/s over this period while the orbital trajectory data indicates the rock originated from an unusual inner solar system orbit.

Calculations by the group indicate that some 0.5 kg (1.1 pounds) of the rock survived its atmospheric entry and is now lying somewhere in the MacKenzie Country. They’ve pinpointed the landing zone to an area of about 1 x 3 km (0.6 x 1.8 miles) and announced a public hunt for meteorites.

If meteorites are found, this would mark the 10^th find in New Zealand and the first since 2004 when a meteorite crashed through the roof of a home in Auckland.

“The meteorite hunt is on! And you’re invited! The leaders of this search have completed a reconnaissance visit and are now ready for a proper search involving the public,” the group said.

The search will be held this Thursday, March 21, 2024.

People who would like to participate should:

• Be in Tekapo at 08:00 LT on March 21, ready for an 08:15 departure to the strewn-field. It will be a day out adventure.
• The point of meeting is in the carpark by the public toilets behind Tekapo Restaurant and Bar on Motuariki Ln.
• Bring hat, sunglasses, sun cream, plenty of water, lunch, sturdy footwear as well as plastic bags and toilet paper (just in case we cannot get a port-a-loo) etc.
• GPS, compass, pen and paper, if possible.

Featured image credit: Fireballs Aotearoa (stillshot)