Ensisheim Meteorite Strikes Alsace Wheat Field

November 7th, 1492

November 7th, 1492

Ensisheim Meteorite Strikes Alsace Wheat Field
How Long Ago?

532 years, 4 months, 8 days ago

Location

Ensisheim, Alsace, France

Category

Science & Technology

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Ensisheim Meteorite Strikes Alsace Wheat Field

A large meteorite, known as the Ensisheim meteorite, impacted a wheat field near the village of Ensisheim in Alsace, France. This event is significant as it is recorded as the oldest meteorite with a known date of impact, landing on November 7, 1492. The meteorite weighed about 1275 grams and was notable for its iron composition and unique features, including a fusion crust. Local villagers were astonished by the sight, and the impact was marked by a loud explosion that could be heard for miles.

First recorded meteorite impact in history

Weighed about 1275 grams

Displayed in local church for visitors

Significance led to scientific studies and research

What Happened?

The Ensisheim meteorite, weighing approximately 1275 grams, made its impact in a wheat field close to the village of Ensisheim in Alsace, France. Witnesses reported seeing a brilliant flash of light in the sky followed by a thunderous explosion that shook the ground. Shortly after the event, local farmers discovered the remnants, which intrigued not just the community but also scholars and scientists of the time. It was notable for its iron composition and unique structural features, including a black, fused outer layer that indicated it had traveled through the Earth's atmosphere at high velocity.

The Ensisheim meteorite captured the public's imagination and became a notable object of study, with various tales surrounding its arrival. It was connected to religious and astrological interpretations, as many viewed meteorites as omens. The meteorite was later displayed in a local church, where it became an attraction for visitors and a subject of fascination. It was one of the first meteorites to be officially documented, leading to further interest in meteorites as natural phenomena rather than mystical occurrences.

In subsequent years, the Ensisheim meteorite was recognized for its scientific value, and it attracted scholars who would study its properties and origins. It was eventually acquired by the Natural History Museum in Paris. The meteorite continued to serve as a valuable specimen for researchers navigating the mysteries of space and celestial bodies, marking a change in how such phenomena were perceived and studied in the future.

Why Does it Matter?

The Ensisheim meteorite is significant as it represents the first recorded impact event with an exact date, contributing to the early study of meteorites. Its documentation marked a transition from mythological interpretations to scientific inquiry, encouraging further research into celestial phenomena. This event helped lay the groundwork for modern meteorology and astronomy.

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