[meteorite-list] Possible new fall: "Meteorite hits Akhnoor" Kashmir

From: Meteorite-Recon.com <info_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:25:51 +0100
Message-ID: <26074023.1654631233555951569.JavaMail.servlet_at_kundenserver>

There is a news report on a new fall in Kashmir, of Saturday night, January 31, 2009, 11:25 p.m. local time:

"AZHAR RAFIQIE

Srinagar, Feb 1: A meteorite hit Akhnoor area in Jammu, Saturday night following which many astronomical organizations rushed their teams to study the phenomenon on the spot.

 The meteorite, according to the locals, descended in the open ground at 11.25 pm. However, it didn?t cause any damage to life or property, owing to its smaller size and low velocity, the locals added.
 Many astronomical organizations including Indian Space Research Organization, TATA Institute of Research and the Kashmir University dispatched their teams to the area.

 One of the experts, who was on the spot, told Greater Kashmir over phone, ?The meteorite was not that big in size otherwise it would have caused much damage due to its impact. It can prove more dangerous if its velocity and size is larger. It can cause serious damage and create a huge crater on earth.?

 He said that facts would only come to fore after the research would be over. ?We are assessing the samples and the impact area. We would be able to come to any conclusion after the research is over,? he added.

 Meteorites are the parts of solar system and keep hitting earth. When it enters the atmosphere, impact pressure causes the body to heat-up and emit light, thus forming a fireball, also known as a meteor or shooting star.
 Most meteorites disintegrate when entering the earth?s atmosphere. However, an estimated 500 meteorites ranging in size from marbles to basketballs or larger do reach the surface each year; only 5 or 6 of these are typically recovered and made known to scientists."

end of quote

source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=2_2_2009&ItemID=29&cat=21

Best regards

Svend Buhl

---
www.meteorite-recon.com

Received on Mon 02 Feb 2009 01:25:51 AM PST