Expert explains that meteorite fall is a rare phenomenon

 

In an interview with RTP, astronomy specialist, Miguel Gonçalves, states that finding meteorite material is rare, although these meteor sighting phenomena are recurrent. Regarding the bluish flash that was observed, the expert explained that it will be "a meteor with a high concentration of magnesium".

"It's not the end of the world", he began by reassuring viewers, adding that "phenomena like these happen", although "not of this magnitude".

Every day, according to Miguel Gonçalves, "there are around 100 tons of material - small rocks, dust - that enter our atmosphere", which has the "remarkable capacity to incinerate and wear away around 90 to 95 percent of this material" .

"What we just saw is a meteor. What we popularly call shooting stars", explained the expert. "These are pieces of rocks that enter at speeds between 7 and 14 kilometers per second."

If by chance "these rocks manage to survive the tremendous wear and tear of the atmosphere and fall to the surface of the earth (...) they are called meteorites."

"Therefore, a meteor is the bright streak in the sky. If it manages to survive and fall to the surface of the earth, it is called a meteorite", he explained.

So far there is no record of the collection of rocky material associated with this meteor, so there are no meteorites yet. 

"It is not a given that a meteor gives rise to meteorites", he further indicated. "It's rare to find meteorites in human, city areas."

"It's much more likely to fall into the oceans, (...) into the deserts."

Regarding the blue color seen in the sky, the expert explained that it is probably "a meteor with a high concentration of magnesium". 

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