Huge car-sized 'space rock' hits Earth at high speed in incredibly rare event with scientists still discovering fragments

What was initially thought to be a piece of space junk falling through the Earth's atmosphere turned out to be a massive space rock.

Last Sunday morning, people around St. Francis Bay in South Africa had a unique sight.

Between 8:30 and 9 am local time, a bright streak illuminated the sky. Some people reported hearing a sonic boom and feeling a tremor.

Scientists confirmed the structure to be a car-sized space rock that burned over the country's atmosphere.

'Based on scientific assessment, the incident is consistent with a rocky asteroid about the size of a car entering Earth’s atmosphere at very high speed,' said Professor Roger Gibson from Wits University.

'Friction with the atmosphere created a spectacular fireball and caused it to break up in flight.'

Jonathan Knowles / solarseven / Getty

The last time something like this happened was more than 50 years ago, a similar event in Lichtenburg in 1973.

Scientists have already found meteorites from this recent fall and are asking the public to help by looking out for more.

'Meteorites are rare and hold deep scientific value as they give us a glimpse of the make-up and birth of our solar system, so it is extremely important for us to track, trace and find possible meteorites that may have fallen in our country,' Gibson explained.

'The way they interact with Earth’s atmosphere is also important as they pose a potential threat.'

South Africa only has 51 known meteorites and 22 recorded meteorite falls. So getting as many samples as possible is at the forefront of the researchers' minds.

'We have reports that someone has found several fragments of a meteorite near Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape, over 100 km [62 miles] from Cape St Francis. This may indicate an exceptional fall area,' Gibson added.

Jonathan Knowles / solarseven / Getty

Some people heard its sonic boom as far away as Plettenberg Bay which is more than 200 km [124 miles] away from Gqberha, whilst others felt the associated ground tremors, Gibson explained.

The researchers hope to hear from any witnesses from the event.

'This is a perfect opportunity for people to become involved in citizen science,' Gibson added.

'We want to know what people saw or heard so that we can piece together the meteor’s trajectory, and also if anyone thinks they have found any meteorite fragments.

'We would like people to record their perceptions and contact us to tell their stories.'

The professor pointed out that meteorites can be confused with other rocks, but the dark smooth appearance from the fusion crust is the part to look out for.

'Before you touch it, photograph it on the ground and take several photographs of its environment. Record a GPS pin of where you found it, wrap it into a piece of aluminium foil and place it securely in a zip-lock bag, then contact us to collect it,' Dr. Leo Vonopartis concluded.

'All of this provides vital scientific information.'