FRANCE: In a truly extraordinary incident that defies astronomical odds, a woman in France was struck by a meteorite while leisurely sipping coffee with a friend in Alsace, eastern France. The unexpected occurrence left both witnesses and scientists astounded by the rarity of the event.
The incident unfolded on July 6 when the woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was seated on an outdoor terrace engaged in conversation with her companion.
Suddenly, a small unidentified object struck her ribs, causing her to experience a sharp shock. Accompanying the impact was a distinct loud boom, leaving both women bewildered.
Initially mistaking the object for an animal, perhaps a bat, the woman and her friend inspected it more closely, only to discover that it did not resemble cement, as they initially suspected. Rather, it turned out to be a small meteorite that had ricocheted off the roof and hit her chest, resulting in a minor bruise.
Intrigued by the unusual occurrence, the woman decided to consult geologist Dr Thierry Rebmann, who specializes in studying such extraterrestrial phenomena. After thorough examination, Dr Rebmann confirmed the extraterrestrial origin of the rock.
Upon breaking it down, he found a combination of iron and silicon, which, although not rare in meteorites, further substantiated its otherworldly nature.
Dr Rebmann expressed his astonishment at the incident, highlighting the remarkable rarity of a meteorite directly striking an individual. “Finding a meteorite is already a rare phenomena, but having one fall directly on you is more unlikely,” he said.
Moreover, the geologist emphasized that discovering meteorites in temperate climate zones, such as France, is exceptionally infrequent. In fact, over the course of the 21st century, there have only been five recorded instances of meteorites landing in France.
Dr Rebmann explained that meteorites in temperate environments tend to blend with other elements, making them challenging to identify. In contrast, desert environments offer a more conducive setting for locating meteorites.
The incident brings to mind a historic event from almost 70 years ago in the United States when Ann Hodges of Sylacauga, Alabama, became the first confirmed person to be struck by a meteorite. In November 1954, an 8-pound stony meteorite crashed through her roof, causing severe bruising upon impact.
While the woman in France escaped major harm, the incident has provided scientists with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the study of meteorites. Further research and analysis of the rock will contribute to a better understanding of its origins and potentially unlock new insights into our universe.
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