1. How rare is a meteorite?
The fall of a meteorite in our area is news. Last Tuesday it happened in East Flanders. Witnesses: Camera footage spotted a bright star in the sky near Ghent at around 5:37 p.m.
Philip Mollet of Volksterrenwacht categorizes the news: “Maybe it is not in itself rare for meteorites to fall on us, but it is difficult to estimate.
However, the number of meteorites eventually found is rather scarce,” notes Mollet. Even in a densely populated country like Belgium, it is still entirely possible for a meteorite to fall from the sky unnoticed.
As far as is known, only 5 meteorites have been found in Belgium in the last 200 years. Philip Mullett says:
2. How do we know that this meteorite landed in Lievegem?
The shooting star was filmed on Tuesday at 5:37 pm by cameras from The so-called Freepon Network. It’s about three cameras pointed at the sky: one at the Mira General Observatory in Ukel and two in the Netherlands.
Based on these three camera angles, it was possible to calculate exactly where the stone fell. This is done on the basis of various criteria:
3. What exactly should you be looking for?
Inquisitors wishing to hunt for themselves near Zomergem and Lovendegem should keep their eyes peeled for a very dark stone, the outside of which is black and which is quite heavy for its size.
Analyzes of the camera images showing the “meteorite” indicate that the meteorite must have weighed about half a kilogram, if it had not already disintegrated, Philippe Mollet explains:
To find the stone, Mollet initially relies on the people of Lievegem themselves, simply because they know where to look. Mullett wants to organize a counseling hour for them, next Tuesday, to have them check any discoveries. Mollette may also look for volunteers in the area in the future.
Anyone who thinks they have found a meteorite can send photos to [email protected].
Students in Lievegem have already found a black stone, As shown in this report.
4. Why is it important that this be found?
Not only would it be nice if the stone was found; Meteorites can also teach us something about the formation of our solar system, Philip Mollet says. They are witnesses from the early years of our solar system.
Then there is a purely chauvinistic side to it, according to Mollet:
5. How much will this meteorite be worth?
If it’s a rare rock, is that meteorite also worth a lot? Not in itself, says Philippe Mollet, but he can’t rule out the possibility of offering a lot of money for it.
“There are the craziest numbers out there,” says Mollett:
VRT NWS live with Philippe Mollet:
WATCH – You can watch the full Q&A session with Philippe Mollet on VRT NWS Live here:
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