Cosmic Event
Event date: 11.12.2009 07:49:30
Country: Botswana
State: -
Location:- [Confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers]
Some meteorites might have fallen from the sky in the area around the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers. In an interview, the principal curator of geology at the Department of National Museum, Monuments and Art Gallery, Mohutsiwa Gabadirwe said on the night of November 21, a glowing object fell from the sky within those areas. Gabadirwe explained that this unusual incident involved a sudden appearance of a large glow in the sky that lasted for a few seconds. The object was suspected to have been a meteorite. A meteorite is a piece of metal or stone, which has fallen from the earths outer space. The meteorite burns in the sky producing a glowing light before reaching the ground and they range from a marble-ball size to a soccer-ball size. They may originate from different sources from outer space with many coming from the Asteroid Belt and could also be from the moon and mars. Gabadirwe said this incident was also reported to have been witnessed in neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. He noted that this was the first time the incidence occurred in Botswana. However, he said, reports show that it once happened in 1999 but somehow the particles ended up overseas. Gabadirwe explained that these were valuable stones as they contain a lot of useful information especially for the scientists urging that they should be protected. He asked the public particularly in the Bobirwa and Tswapong areas to report any strange looking rocks or a hole on the ground showing signs of burning to either the the musuem or the local authorities. The rocks could be identified by black burnt outside surface that does not flake or steak off when rubbed against other surfaces. Gabadirwe advised that once meteorites have landed in Botswana they become part of the natural heritage of the country as protected by Monuments and Relief Act of 2001. Therefore they are not to be collected or removed from where they are found. Exportation of meteorites is also prohibited by law unless a special license has been obtained to do so. He noted that at the moment they are working with the Department of Geological Surveys who are making rounds in the said areas in search of meteorites. He also noted that they have been in contact with Department of Immigration and Citizenship to alert them in case people come from outside Botswana and try to steal them.
Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:07 pm
