Staffordshire Residents Urged to Join Search for Meteor Fragments
Residents in parts of Staffordshire have been called upon to keep an eye out for “dark shiny rocks that stand out” following the suspected landing of a meteorite in the county. The UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll) believes that a meteorite may have fallen somewhere near Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter after a bright fireball was spotted over the Midlands in the early hours of May 6th. Anyone who comes across the meteorite is advised by scientists not to touch it with their bare hands.
Search Efforts Underway in Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter
Teams of researchers from various universities have already begun scouring fields in the Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter areas in search of the meteorite. Despite their efforts, the meteorite remains elusive. UKFAll estimates that the meteorite weighs around 500g (1.1lbs) and landed southeast of Stoke-on-Trent. It is believed to be 5-10cm (2-4inches) wide, black or brown in color, and may have a glassy outer surface. Dr. Ashley King expressed hope that a resident or worker in the area might stumble upon the rock but emphasized the importance of safety during the search.
Residents Reminded to Handle Suspected Meteorite with Caution
In light of the potential discovery of the meteorite, individuals who believe they have found it are urged to reach out to UKFAll or the Natural History Museum. The importance of not touching the rock with bare hands to prevent contamination has been emphasized, with suggestions to pick it up using aluminum foil or a clean, dry sandwich bag. The search for meteor fragments in Staffordshire continues, with residents encouraged to assist in the search efforts.