Jordanian minerals and environmental engineering professor and environmental researcher Dr. Ahmad Al-Malaabeh of the Hashemite University, visiting Yarmouk University on research leave, announced the discovery of a large meteorite in northern Jordan.
He said research lasting more than three months into August’s Perseid meteor shower in a mountainous area known as Jaabliyat, between Kufranjah and Salikhat, followed by advanced laboratory examinations, indicated a large meteorite had fallen within a circular area about 200 meters across. Fragments were scattered over approximately 4,000 square meters. More than one hundred pieces, weighing from 200 grams to eight kilograms, were collected during the detailed field study. Careful examinations supported their identification as meteorite material. He described the find as the first of its kind in Jordan and a distinctive astronomical phenomenon internationally.
He said the most striking observation was a large burning mass striking the ground, prompting his continued scientific investigation and contact with local residents for more than three months until the fragments were found.
Continued searching identified the main impact location within a circle about 200 meters in diameter. He described the meteorite as rare worldwide and said the force of impact appeared to have broken it apart. Studies were continuing to determine its origin. Collected fragments contained minerals identified as magnetite, hematite, and kamacite.
Al-Malaabeh said the discovery could have economic value for Jordan because it was globally rare and locally unprecedented, potentially attracting astronomical tourism and helping reveal the composition of outer space.