Meteorites Recovered in Koblenz After Bright Bolide Streaks Over Western Europe

Overview

• A bright fireball crossed skies over northeastern France and neighboring countries around 18:55 local time on March 8, lasting about eight seconds and producing sonic-like bangs as it fragmented.
• Small meteorites struck the Güls district of Koblenz, Germany, piercing a roof and leaving an estimated 30 cm hole, with police reporting no injuries.
• Astronomical experts confirmed the phenomenon was a bolide, ruling out missiles and space debris.
• Fragments were recovered within hours and photographed, and Meteorite Belgium says their appearance is consistent with HED eucrites, pending laboratory confirmation.
• The European Space Agency says the incoming body may have measured up to a few meters across and was not detected prior to atmospheric entry.