Astronomers seek meteroite samples
IF ANYONE has spotted anything unusual in their back gardens around Drogheda recently, it could be the result of some extra-terrestrial activity in the area!
Astronomy experts believe a meteorite may have landed somewhere in the Co Louth region, after a large 'fireball', which is a really big meteor, was seen from various parts of the country.
After issuing an appeal for reports on where the meteor was heading – with common consensus being that the fiery object was seen heading east – the group has now concluded that it landed in the Irish Sea, most likely off the coast of our own wee county.
The brightness of the object, however, means the meteor was large enough to disintegrate and deposit small meteorites over land in the north-east of the country first.
' There is always the chance that some of the meteor broke up and that maybe fragments of it landed somewhere in Louth,' said David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland.
Only two meteorites have been found in Ireland in the last hundred years – in Northern Ireland in 1969, and in Co Carlow in 1999, but there is a 50/50 chance some outerspace memorabilia landed in Louth!
If you have suddenly noticed some strange rock fragments that may be parts of a meteorite, they could be worth a (very) small fortune to collectors!
- ALISON COMYN
