On February 15, 1997 at 23:23 local time, a shower of small stones with over 1000 individuals fell near the Yellow River in China, 500 km south of Beijing. A brilliant fireball with smoke and sparks terminated in a loud, resonating explosion. The fall ellipse measured 10,5 x 4,3 km, oriented east-west. Juancheng meteorites instantly became an important collectible in China. Chinese meteorite and fossil dealers quickly went to the Juancheng site where they met hundreds of children with pieces they already found. Many specimens were given to Communist Party leaders. However, some material still made it to the West. The largest recovered piece weighed 2,7 kg, and the total mass is over 100 kg. Juancheng is classified as an ordinary chondrite H5.
© 2024 | Meteolovers
Updated: 11 October 2024
© 2024 | Meteolovers
Updated: 11 Oct 2024