Ancient meteor being auctioned in Lausanne

Nantan meteor

A unique piece of the universe is being auctioned in Lausanne next week – a piece of a meteor.

The Nantan meteorite fell to earth in the year 1516 and was formed at the same the the solar system, 4 and a half billion years ago. It was found in 1958 in the Nantan region of China after the largest meteor shower ever recorded in Asia.

Parts of the same meteor are spread across the world, including at Oxford University in the UK. 

I spoke to Michel Chavallier, from the Dogny auction house in Lausanne – and asked him, how big is it?

 

The sale is on Thursday 20th June.
 

More from Bitesize News

  • Economic outlook uncertain for this year

    Switzerland’s economic outlook remains cautious, with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasting growth of around one percent in 2026,although that depends on falling oil prices.

  • Geneva bans the burkini

    Geneva’s parliament has voted to ban the burkini in public swimming pools, ending months of heated debate.

  • Birthday candles banned in Geneva schools

    In response to the fire in Crans Montana, birthday candles have been banned in Geneva’s primary schools.

  • Transit tax moves closer

    Switzerland is moving closer to introducing a transit tax for foreign vehicles crossing the country.

  • Fake Nyon officer fined

    A man in his fifties has been convicted in Vaud after impersonating a police officer in several towns, including Rolle and Nyon.

  • Heavy traffic this Easter

    Heavy traffic is expected across Switzerland over the Easter holiday period, particularly on the A2 Gotthard autoroute and the A13 San Bernardino route from March 27.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play