A bright fireball shot across the sky over Hawke’s Bay last Wednesday night, possibly leaving behind a meteorite.
Scientists believe it may have landed within a 600-hectare area of private farmland. Now, experts are calling for CCTV footage to help pinpoint its exact location.
Steve Wyn-Harris, a member of Fireballs Aotearoa, said the meteorite likely fell at 10:49 or 10:50 p.m. on March 12. Unfortunately, due to cloudy weather, most cameras in the area did not capture clear footage. However, four cameras provided helpful images, and many residents reported hearing a loud sonic boom.
Wyn-Harris has visited the area, describing it as hilly farmland used for sheep and cattle. The landowners are supportive of a search, but finding the meteorite could be difficult. Recent rainfall and natural debris like sheep and turkey droppings could make the small rock—expected to weigh between 200 to 300 grams—hard to spot.
Despite the challenge, Wyn-Harris remains hopeful. In a similar case last year, a meteorite in Tekapo was found within 45 minutes. If recovered, the meteorite could provide valuable scientific insights, as such space rocks are billions of years old and hold clues about the early solar system.
