DID A METEOR END UP IN UAE DESERT?

A meteor travelling at 67,000kmph when it entered Earth was spotted as a ‘super bright fireball’ across the UAE skies last week, and experts say parts of it might have fallen in the country’s desert, between Al Qooa and Umm Al Zamul

With the fireball filmed by two cameras, we were able to identify and calculate its path when it entered the atmosphere.” Mohammed Shawkat, director, IACAD

ABU DHABI — A ‘super bright fireball’ was found to have crossed UAE skies last week, and experts said parts of the meteor might have fallen on the country’s desert, Khaleej Times has learnt.

Mohammed Shawkat, director of the International Astronomy Centre Abu Dhabi (IACAD), told Khaleej Times that the fireball appeared in the sky at 7.40pm on March 5 and was captured by a special network of astronomical cameras.

“These sophisticated cameras have been installed by the IAC in different parts of the country, and these are managed in collaboration with the US space agency Nasa.”

The extremely bright fireball was video-recorded by two astronomical cameras: one that was fitted at the Ramah station, and one at the Al Wajan station, Shawkat said.

“With the fireball filmed by two cameras, we were able to identify and calculate its path when it entered the Earth’s atmosphere.”

Shawkat added that the meteor might not have entirely burnt itself out. “Parts of the meteor, mostly two to 10gm, have most likely reached the UAE desert, close to the Arabian Nights Village Resort.”

The IACAD, in collaboration with local authorities, is set to form a team and look for the meteor’s parts.

“Meteors have a great scientific value, especially if they come from the moon or other planets,” Shawkat said.