Meteorite hunters make 'amazing' discovery deep in WA outback
Share and Follow

Experts have scoured hundreds of kilometres of salt flats deep in the West Australian outback to find pieces of meteorite that lit up the night sky over Perth and other parts of the state.
Researchers from Curtin University used advanced weather modelling to predict the meteorite had landed in Lake Hope – about a seven hour drive east of Perth – after its Mother’s Day night light show.

The Desert Fireball Network has a network of cameras all around the country designed to take pictures of really bright fireballs.

Researchers from Curtin University used advanced weather modelling to predict the meteorite had landed in Lake Hope – about a seven hour drive east of Perth – after its Mother’s Day night light show. (9News)

“We did some pretty advanced, like, weather modelling as well to figure out, once it slowed down enough, how would it be affected by the wind,” planetary scientist Dr Hadrien Devillepoix said.

Once they arrived, they walked across salt flats for more than seven kilometres before making a discovery.

“We found a meteorite, wow that’s amazing,” Mia Walker can be seen exclaiming in exclusive 9News vision of the search.

They discovered two chunks of space rock, including one that was among the largest they’d ever found.

“Here’s a piece of space rock that’s been travelling the solar system for four and a half billion years,” Devillepoix said.

Desert Fireball Network planetary scientist Dr Hadrien Devillepoix explained the science behind the search. (9News)
Mia Walker was one of the scientists on the meteorite hunt. (9News)

“And now it’s in our hands and we can use it for science, that’s so exciting.”

The samples will now be taken to a lab so researchers can determine what type of meteorites they are and where in space they came from.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
King Charles III to host Trump at Windsor Castle

King Charles III to Welcome Trump at Windsor Castle

King Charles III will host Donald Trump at Windsor Palace during the…

Man Accused of Attacking Woman with Axe and Striking Her with Her Vehicle

A man has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman with an…
Detective reveals fresh details about missing backpacker's rescue

German Backpacker Hospitalized After Remarkable Survival Story

Friends of the German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the…
Blackhawk helicopters are seen at the Townsville airport as part of exercise 'Talisman Sabre 23' on July 27, 2023 in Townsville, Australia.

China Anticipated to Monitor Significant Australian Military Drills

Chinese surveillance ships are likely to be monitoring some of the largest…
Trump's stunning attack on his own 'selfish' MAGA base

Trump Criticizes His Own ‘Selfish’ MAGA Supporters in Surprising Speech

US President Donald Trump has offered a full-throated defence of Attorney-General Pam…

Australian Cyclist Sarah Gigante Triumphs in Giro d’Italia after Surgery Recovery

Sarah Gigante has completed her dazzling maiden Giro d’Italia by finishing third…
Australia's next Census will be held in 2026, but the Census Test will take place next month for some areas.

Fresh Queries Set to Be Part of Next Month’s Census Assessment

New questions on sexual orientation and gender will be included on a…

Minister Says China Observing Australia’s Military Drills Is No Surprise

Key Points Talisman Sabre military exercises have begun in Brisbane. Defence industry…