Just before midnight, we began examining the meteorite at the National Centre for Nuclear Research; it had been found immediately after landing, and its trajectory had been recorded by bolide network cameras. 

The iron meteorite found near Łódź was sent for specialist analysis at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ). The object aroused the interest of scientists due to its physical properties and potential significance for research into the origin of matter in the Solar System.

The analyses carried out at the NCBJ include, among others, detailed studies of the chemical composition and the content of cosmogenic radionuclides, particularly short-lived ones, which have not yet been detected in any iron meteorite. The results obtained will enable the determination of the meteorite’s origin, its age, and the processes it underwent before entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

- The National Centre for Nuclear Research is currently the only facility in Poland with the infrastructure and equipment to carry out such advanced research on iron meteorites. The centre’s technological facilities allow us to conduct analyses at a level comparable to that of the world’s leading research centres – says Prof. Jakub Kupecki, Director of the NCBJ.

NCBJ also has experience in analysing such objects. For several years, the centre has been conducting research into meteorites found both in Poland and abroad. Previous work has provided significant data on meteoroids entering the Earth’s atmosphere, their composition and internal structure, which is important when considering the dynamics of their descent and potential threats from space.

- The significance of this type of research extends beyond individual scientific discoveries. The development of expertise in the analysis of extraterrestrial materials is part of the strategic priorities of the Polish Space Agency, which include strengthening national capabilities in the fields of space technology, planetary sciences and international cooperation. The NCBJ’s activities in this area constitute a key element in building a national research infrastructure capable of supporting future space missions and the development of the Polish space sector – emphasises Prof. Kupecki.

Zbigniew Tymiński from the POLATOM Radioisotope Centre at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) points out that meteorites contain minerals not found on Earth, and that they can tell us a great deal about our future. Zbigniew Tymiński is one of the coordinators of the Skytintel Bolide Network, which enables the tracking of meteorite orbits, he also participated in yesterday's search.

The NCBJ has been involved in space research and the development of space technologies for many years. We are the only centre in Poland where meteorite research is conducted.

This research builds on previous work and may contribute to furthering our understanding of the processes involved in the formation of celestial bodies.

The research is ongoing, and the results will be published once the analyses have been completed.