Farmer finds gaping, heat-emitting hole in Tamil Nadu farmland; Meteorite impact suspected

A man from Achamangalam village in Tamil Nadu’s Thirupattur district has discovered a large hole on his farmland, believed to be caused by a meteorite impact.

The hole, approximately five feet deep, was emitting heat when found by the landowner.

According to media reports, the surprised landowner immediately alerted the police and district officials. Upon their arrival, the officials began an investigation into the hole’s origin and characteristics.

Samples from the hole and its surroundings were collected and sent to laboratories in Vellore and Chennai for analysis.

“We have determined that a meteorite created the hole. It likely originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter,” a report in India Today quoted District Science Officer Ravi as saying. Further analysis will also be conducted in Ahmedabad.