Impact! On February 13, 2023, at 02h 59min 21sec UT, a very bright flash close to the neighbouring Moon enlighted skies on both sides of the Channel. At the predicted time, small asteroid 2023 CX1 (provisionary designated under Sar2667) entered the Earth atmopshere, producing a very bright fireball that was reported by more than 60 witnesses (Event #937-2023), and recorded on video by astronomers and public (see below). This 7th predicted asteroid entry, seen its geographical position, favorable weather and the delay between discovery and meteor, may be the most covered of all!

Small asteroid 2023 CX1 (H ~ 33, which equals a meter-sized object) was first detected on February 12th, 2023, at 20h 18min UT, by Krisztián Sárneczky from GINOP KHK observatory (K88, Piszkéstető, Hungary) and was provisory designated under the number Sar2667. It was quickly confirmed by Visnjan Observatory (L01, Tican, Croatie) and 20 observatories eventually recorded this fast-moving object to defined at best its orbit and entry point and timing. On February 13th, 2023, at 02h 59min 21sec UT, a very bright ending flash of the meteor confirmed 2023 CX1 entered the Earth atmopshere, becoming the 7th one to be discovered before impacting our planet! The event, as it was predicted and over a crowded area, was reported by more than 60 persons (Event #937-2023, figure 1) via the IMO online report form.

Figure 1- Map of visual witnesses that reported 2023 CX1 asteroid atmospheric entry. Blue arrow indicates the trajectory of the associated fireball automatically calculated from all visual reports. Credit: IMO/AMS

Figure 1- Map of visual witnesses that reported 2023 CX1 asteroid atmospheric entry (Event #937-2023). Blue arrow indicates the trajectory of the associated fireball automatically calculated from all visual reports. Credit: IMO/AMS

The fireball was also recorded on videos and pictures by numerous people waiting for the last asteroid appearance.

This video footage comes from the AllSky7 camera located in Humain (Belgium). Copyright: BRAMS team @ BIRA-IASB (aeronomie.be), AllSky7 Fireball Network (allsky7.net)

 

Meteorites are very likely to have landed on the ground. Stay tuned for more information!

Seen its position and timing of event, it may become the most widely covered asteroid entry, from public and from astronomers. If you observed or recorded it, please fill in a report form!

If you witnessed the fireball associated to this asteroid entry and/or if you have a video or a photo of it, please
Submit an Official Fireball Report

If you want to learn more about Fireballs: read our Fireball FAQ.

 Last updated: February 13, 2023, 23h 29min UT

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