Qatari astronomer shares image of rare natural glass created by meteor impacts
Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al-Thani, head of the Qatar Astronomical Center, has announced the discovery of what he says is the first meteorite fragment found in Al Khor.
Sharing an image on social media,
Sheikh Salman identified the object as a tektite, a rare form of natural glass
created by meteor impacts. He told Al Sharq that he stumbled upon the
fragment while walking along Al Khor beach, where it was partly submerged among
rocks. Specialists later confirmed the find as tektite.
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The astronomer noted the fragment’s
distinctive features, including melted edges, which indicate it had entered the
atmosphere before solidifying. While its weight and time of fall cannot be
determined, he stressed its scientific value.
Sheikh Salman added that the Qatar
Astronomy Center has documented over 30 meteorites in the country and expressed
hope that more fragments could be uncovered in Al Khor. He underlined the
importance of such discoveries for advancing astronomical research in Qatar and
the wider region.
Source: The Peninsula