Fireball Over France: What Happened When Asteroid 2023 CX1 Exploded

A fireball lit up the night sky over France on February 13, 2023. The cause was a small asteroid, named 2023 CX1, that entered Earth’s atmosphere. It exploded over Normandy at an altitude of 28 km. The blast was sudden and powerful. It shocked scientists because it broke apart in an unusual way.

Researchers later confirmed that the asteroid held together under extreme pressure. Instead of breaking up gradually, it burst all at once. Almost all of its energy was released in a single moment. This produced a strong spherical shockwave. The effect was far larger than expected for an object less than a meter wide.

Fireball Over France Explained

Asteroid 2023 CX1 was first spotted about seven hours before entry. That gave scientists time to track it closely. According to NASA data, the rock was about 72 cm across and weighed around 650 kg. Despite its small size, it carried the power of 29 tons of TNT.

The asteroid exploded at 28 km altitude. Nearly 98 percent of its mass was lost in seconds. Witnesses across Europe saw the fireball and captured photos and videos. The sudden release of energy expanded the danger zone on the ground. NASA Ames researchers said the blast area was four times larger than models predicted.

Fragments of the asteroid, later recovered in Normandy, were identified as L-type chondrites. These are common meteorites, but 2023 CX1 behaved differently. Its structure resisted breakup until it reached extreme pressure, then failed catastrophically. Scientists believe past impacts may have toughened the material. This made the rock hold together longer than expected.

Why This Fireball Matters

Most small asteroids break apart gradually in the upper atmosphere. That spreads out their energy and reduces risks on the ground. But 2023 CX1 showed a new threat. A sudden, low-altitude explosion can produce a stronger shockwave. Even small space rocks can create outsized hazards if they fail this way.

Planetary defense experts now warn that emergency plans may need updates. In future predicted impacts, evacuations could be necessary if an asteroid is likely to burst at low altitude. Past examples such as Tunguska in 1908 and Chelyabinsk in 2013 involved larger rocks, but both caused major damage. CX1 proved that even much smaller objects can raise concern.

Researchers now believe there is a whole class of “abrupt fragmenters.” These are common, but their behavior is not well understood. Each detection adds knowledge. The event over France gave rare, clear data from detection to recovery. It proved that even a beach-ball-sized asteroid can provide lessons for global safety.

The fireball over France was small but historic. It forced experts to rethink risks from ordinary space rocks. A sudden airburst at low altitude showed how even a tiny asteroid can act like a bomb. Future defense plans will now include this new hazard.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the fireball over France?

The fireball came from asteroid 2023 CX1. It exploded over Normandy on February 13, 2023, after entering Earth’s atmosphere.

Q2: How big was asteroid 2023 CX1?

It was about 72 cm across and weighed around 650 kg. Despite its small size, it released the energy of 29 tons of TNT.

Q3: Why was this explosion unusual?

Most small asteroids break up gradually. This one stayed intact until 28 km altitude, then exploded all at once, creating a stronger shockwave.

Q4: Were meteorites recovered?

Yes. Several fragments were found in Normandy. They were classified as L-type chondrites, a common type of meteorite.

Q5: What does this mean for planetary defense?

It shows even small asteroids can be dangerous. Experts may need to plan evacuations for predicted impacts with similar risks.

References

1. Egal, A., et al. (2025). Catastrophic disruption of asteroid 2023 CX1 and implications for planetary defence. Nature Astronomy.

2. SETI Institute. (2025, September 17). Small asteroids can explode. Press release.

3. NASA Ames Research Center. (2023). Atmospheric entry data of asteroid 2023 CX1. Internal analysis report.

4. Jenniskens, P., & Colas, F. (2023). FRIPON/Vigie-Ciel recovery of 2023 CX1 meteorites in Normandy. Paris Observatory report.

5. Ralls, E. (2025, September 18). Fireball over France sparks new concerns about Earth’s asteroid impact preparedness. Earth.com.

6. Reuters. (2023, February 14). Asteroid 2023 CX1 creates bright fireball over France.