Fireball Recovery and InterPlanetary Observation Network

The Fireball Recovery and InterPlanetary Observation Network is a monitoring station in Belfort equipped with specialized cameras and detection equipment to capture fireballs entering Earth's atmosphere. Positioned at about 374 meters elevation, it records high-resolution images used to track meteorite trajectories and study atmospheric phenomena.

The network was established in 2013, and the Belfort station began operations on May 28, 2016. Since then, it has contributed to tracking meteorite events and supporting ongoing scientific research.

The network brings together professional astronomers and community members to document meteor events, contributing to scientific understanding through shared observations.

Access to the data is provided through a web database where visitors can analyze meteoroid trajectories and explore fireball observation records. The information is freely available, allowing interested observers to study the data or contribute their own sightings.

The station carries the identifier code FRFC02 and participates in a network spanning multiple countries to track meteorites from atmospheric entry through to potential ground recovery. This coordinated monitoring allows scientists to locate and investigate meteorite impacts with greater precision.

Location: Belfort

Inception: 2013

Official opening: May 28, 2016

Operator: Réseau FRIPON

Address: Cité des Associations, Rue Jean Pierre Melville, 90000 Belfort, France

Phone: 0783339676

Website: https://fripon.org

GPS coordinates: 47.64087,6.86508

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03