A remarkable astronomical event unfolded on February 13, 2023, when asteroid 2023 CX1 disintegrated in Earth’s atmosphere, providing scientists with invaluable data about such celestial bodies. The asteroid, measuring less than one metre in width and weighing approximately 650 kilograms, illuminated the sky over northwestern France at around 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT). This event marked a significant moment in the study of asteroids, particularly in understanding their fragmentation processes during atmospheric entry.
Earlier that day, a Hungarian astronomer had spotted the small asteroid roughly 200,000 kilometres from Earth. Following its detection, experts from NASA and the European Space Agency rapidly began calculating the asteroid’s descent trajectory with remarkable precision. Global observatories, including both professional and amateur astronomers, collaborated to gather extensive data on 2023 CX1’s journey, utilizing various scientific instruments to enhance their observations.
Collaboration and Discovery
A crucial part of the investigation involved the FRIPON/Vigie-Ciel network, established nearly a decade ago to detect and collect meteorites. According to Brigitte Zanda, a meteorite specialist at France’s National Museum of Natural History, the network received numerous photos and videos documenting the asteroid’s brief passage through the atmosphere. Zanda noted that this collaboration allowed for “unmatched precision” in observing the event.
One particularly revealing video captured the asteroid fragmenting, allowing scientists to assess the number of pieces created during its disintegration. “The asteroid broke apart very brutally in two stages,” Zanda explained, indicating that it lost an astonishing 98 percent of its mass as it entered the atmosphere, releasing a substantial amount of energy in the process.
Findings and Implications
The first meteorite from 2023 CX1 was recovered two days later in the commune of Saint-Pierre-le-Viger, thanks to community assistance. In total, approximately a dozen meteorites were collected and added to the museum’s collection. The findings were published in the journal Nature Astronomy this week, highlighting that only 11 asteroids have been detected before impact, with meteorites successfully retrieved from just four of those events.
Research suggests that 2023 CX1 likely originated from a larger rock in the Massalia asteroid family, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The study underscores the significance of this event, as it represents a rare opportunity to observe the mechanics of asteroid fragmentation.
Zanda emphasized that the nature of this fragmentation could have serious implications. Simulations indicate that such rapid disintegration can potentially cause more damage than a gradual breakup, as seen in the case of the Chelyabinsk event in 2013. During that incident, a much larger asteroid released energy in successive fragments, resulting in a shockwave that shattered windows and injured over 1,000 people.
Despite the dramatic disintegration of 2023 CX1, none of the meteorites caused any damage upon landing. This event not only enriches our understanding of asteroids but also raises awareness about the risks associated with such celestial phenomena. As scientists continue to study the data collected, the insights gained will undoubtedly contribute to future research on asteroid impacts and their potential effects on Earth.
