CU Researchers To Study Berthoud Meteorite

BOULDER, Colo. -- University of Colorado researchers are planning their scientific analysis of a meteorite that fell near Berthoud last week. It's only the fifth meteorite to ever have been seen falling and then be recovered in Colorado.

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Family Describes Close Call With Meteorite

The meteorite weighs just over two pounds and is about the size of a baseball. It is shiny and black, and has an irregular shape.

Scientists say it appears to be made of igneous rock and is melted on its surface from the heat of entering the atmosphere.

Astrophysical and planetary sciences associate professor Nick Schneider said the type of rock indicates the meteorite came from an asteroid or planetary body big enough to have some kind of volcanic activity.

The meteorite was recovered after it landed about 100 feet away from Berthoud residents Megan and John Whiteis. The couple was walking into their back yard last Tuesday afternoon when it flew over their heads.

Scientists will first perform a test to measure gamma rays being emitted by the meteorite. It is likely the test will be performed at NASA's Johnson Space Center later this week.

Because this is a fresh fall, the volatile chemical species can be measured. Analysis of the rare gasses and gamma ray emissions will provide information about the size and history of the meteorite before it entered Earth's atmosphere, Schneider said.

Over the past seven years to 10 years, a surprising number of fireballs have been observed during the first week of October. Scientists have little understanding about the source of the fireballs but the Berthoud meteorite could provide a wealth of information about these recent events, scientists say.

Researchers are asking the public to report any fireball sightings in the sky during October in order to help determine the meteorite's trajectory and point of origin. Fireball sightings can be reported on Cloudbait.com.

Residents of Berthoud also are asked to keep their eyes open for any rocks that appear unusual with a smooth, black, shiny crust. People who find objects they think may be a meteorite should contact Jack Murphy at (303) 370-6445.

The public can see the meteorite at the Fiske Planetarium at CU's Boulder campus. Viewing times will be posted at Colorado.edu/fiske.