- Planétarium
Espace pour la vie is proud of the recognition awarded by Québec Science and warmly congratulates Auriane Egal, scientific advisor at the Planétarium, whose project is among the 10 discoveries of the year by Québec scientists.
Led by Auriane Egal, a team of 97 researchers from 22 countries succeeded, for the first time, in tracing the full history of an asteroid—from its origin in the main asteroid belt to laboratory analysis. The recovered meteorites, ordinary chondrites, are among the most common on Earth… yet closer study revealed a major surprise.
Unlike most asteroids, which gradually fragment as they pass through the atmosphere, 2023 CX1 exploded at an altitude of 28 km, releasing almost all its energy in a single burst. This violent fragmentation produced a concentrated shockwave, posing a greater threat to populated areas than the more gradual disintegrations typically observed (such as the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013).
The study Catastrophic disruption of asteroid 2023 CX1 and implications for planetary defence reveals the existence of a new class of asteroids capable of causing disproportionate damage relative to their size. This finding calls for a rethink of planetary defence strategies to better protect communities.
Discover Québec Science’s 10 discoveries of the year and vote for your favourite!