Discover how a meteorite falls to our Earth. Werkgroep Meteoren shows it with their test stand in which the impact is simulated.

Meteorites are stones from outer space that occasionally end up on Earth. Sometimes with disastrous consequences. Fortunately, it is very rare: in the Netherlands, only 6 meteorites have been known to have fallen since 1840. 

Today, at various locations in and around Leiden, a demonstration will be given of what a fall of a meteorite looks like. To study how exactly such a meteorite falls, the Werkgroep Meteoren has developed a test stand in which the impact can be simulated and studied. Today, the test stand can be seen in Leiden.

The research is part of a national experiment, together with Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and Naturalis, in which meteorite falls are simulated in various types of soil, and it is monitored how the impact site weathers and changes over time. 

 More information about the experiment can be found on the website. 

Location: various locations in the city. 

10:30 Hortus Bonaticus, op de Singelroute bij de hoofdingang. Rapenburg 73, 2311 GJ Leiden

11:30 Oude Sterrewacht. Hoofdingang bezoekerscentrum. Sterrenwachtlaan 11, 2311 GP Leiden

16:00 BplusC Stevenshof, Trix Terwindtstraat 6, 2331 GW Leiden

Time: you can travel around the different locations all day. We will be present at the times mentioned to explain a bit more about the experiment. 

Entrance: free. Registration is not necessary. 

More information about the working group on the website.