Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Letter: Trying to solve the meteorite mystery (2)

Published 21 January 2026

From Jon Hinwood, Melbourne, Australia

Regretfully, I must strongly assert that there is no giant “iron of God” meteorite. If ever there had been, there would be widespread legends about it, artefacts made from it and religious rituals or taboos involving it. If we accept that Ripert was an honest observer and truly saw something, consider that desert mirages are a common phenomenon and often involve what seem like reflective, shiny pools of water that are sometimes greatly enlarged, usually with inverted scenery.

Issue no. 3579 published 24 January 2026

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop