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© Youtube/tvoyirkutsk
A piece of meteorite landed right in Lake Baikal in Russia's Siberia, Irkutsk State University (ISU) reported Wednesday, according to TV Channel Zvezda.

Although the meteorite fell on October 22, the Astronomical Observatory of the University published its report on Wednesday.

"The piece of meteorite was first observed at the height of 67.2 meters, but then was quickly lost out of sight at the height of 62.1 meters," the ISU statement said.


Comment: There must be some confusion on the university's part: what was observed was a 'meteor fireball'. A 'meteorite' is the actual piece(s) of rock/metal that is later found on the ground or in the water.


The meteorite didn't have as much hitting power due to the celestial body catching up with the Earth. That's why the speed of the meteorite didn't exceed 13 km/s when it hit the lake.


Comment: Hmm, well that's pure guess-work on their part. And it doesn't sound plausible. The more likely reason for its slow speed is related to electrical interaction with the atmosphere/local region.


According to ISU scientists, the meteorite landed one kilometer away from the shore of Baikal near the village of Bolshoe Goloustnoe. Local residents noticed the meteorite fall and actively discussed the event in online forums.