METEORITES: DISCOVER THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FALLS
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Time to read 4 min
METEORITES ON EARTH?
Meteorites, fragments of asteroids that pass through the Earth's atmosphere to crash on its surface, are phenomena that are as fascinating as they are mysterious. Although relatively rare, these celestial objects continue to intrigue scientists and the general public. Indeed, each year, between 18,000 and 84,000 meteorites reach the ground of our planet, which is equivalent to one fall every 6 to 30 minutes. However, the vast majority, around 85 to 90%, fall into the oceans, thus limiting the opportunities for discovery and study. In addition, most of these cosmic objects are small, with only about 10% of them exceeding 5,400 grams. Despite this, some are exceptions to these rules, arousing sustained interest from scientists and space enthusiasts for centuries.
THE LARGEST RECORDED METEORITES
Among the thousands of meteorites that have been discovered and catalogued over the years, some stand out for their impressive size.
One of the most famous is the Hoba meteorite, discovered in Namibia in 1920. With an estimated weight of over 60 tons, it is the largest meteorite ever found on Earth. Its origin dates back about 80,000 years, and its mainly metallic composition makes it a valuable object of study for scientists.
The Mbozi meteorite, discovered in Tanzania and weighing approximately 25 tonnes, is also remarkable. It has been revered as a sacred icon for local communities in the region for generations and is known as Kimondo. Its mass is 90% iron, with 8% nickel. Discovered in 1930, it has been considered a protected monument by the Tanzanian government since 1967.
Another large meteorite is the Cape York meteorite, also known as Ahnighito. Discovered in Greenland in 1894, it was split into several pieces, but the largest fragment, on display at the American Museum of Natural History, weighs nearly 31 tons.
The Bacubirito meteorite, found in Mexico in 1863, is also remarkable with an estimated weight of over 22 tons.
These celestial giants are mostly iron meteorites. They fascinate not only because of their impressive size, but also because of the information they can provide about the history and composition of our solar system.
THE MOST POPULAR METEORITES
Some meteorites have gained worldwide fame because of their history, composition or cultural impact. Among them, Allende , which crashed in Mexico in 1969, is particularly famous for its richness in volatile elements and organic materials, thus offering a valuable insight into the conditions prevailing in the early solar system.
Sikhote-Alin , which struck Siberia in 1947, is widely sought after by collectors because of its unique shapes and sculptural iron crystals. Similarly, the Campo del Cielo meteorite, discovered in Argentina and having landed more than 4,000 years ago, is prized for its impressive mass and historical significance.
In addition, meteorites such as the one from Mars, which are believed to have been ejected from the surface of the Red Planet following impacts, are of great interest because of the possibility that they contain signs of early Martian life. The most famous is the " Black Beauty ", a Martian meteorite discovered in 2011, considered the oldest known Martian meteorite, dating back 4.4 billion years. Studies suggest that it came from an asteroid impact that created the Karratha Crater about 5 to 10 million years ago. Some minerals have been dated to about 4.48 billion years old. It has provided and continues to provide valuable information about the formation of Mars and the solar system to scientists and enthusiasts.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY METEORITES
While most meteorites burn up completely as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere, some manage to reach the planet's surface, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Earth's history is replete with incidents where meteorites have caused significant damage.
One of the most famous examples is the Tunguska event, which occurred in Siberia in 1908. An airburst attributed to the disintegration of a meteorite devastated a forested region of more than 2,000 square kilometers, felling millions of trees. Fortunately, this region was sparsely inhabited, thus avoiding human losses.
More recently, in 2013, a meteorite exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk , Russia, releasing energy equivalent to several hundred kilotons of TNT. The shock wave blew out windows and damaged buildings, injuring nearly 1,500 people.
These events highlight the destructive potential of meteorites and the importance of monitoring and studying these phenomena to better understand and prevent the risks they pose. To completely destroy life on Earth, NASA scientists estimate that a meteorite 96 kilometers in diameter would be needed. However, to cause severe damage to a city, a celestial object the size of a building or a football field could be enough. Programs such as Spaceguard Survey specialize in monitoring near-Earth objects and thus ensure that we can prevent an asteroid from colliding with Earth.
Meteorites offer a unique window into the mysteries of the universe and our own planet. Their study reveals fascinating stories of survival through Earth’s atmosphere and the impact they have had and continue to have on our world. From the Hoba meteorite, the Iron Colossus, to the legendary Martian Black Beauty, each carries a piece of cosmic history, enriching our knowledge of the solar system and beyond. Incidents such as the Tunguska event or the Chelyabinsk explosion are reminders of their destructive power, highlighting the importance of space surveillance to prevent disasters. In this article, we explore the dimensions, histories, and impacts of these asteroid fragments, revealing their importance to both science and human culture. To learn more about these space travelers and their influence on our planet, follow our updates and dive into the mysteries of the universe with us.
And you, have you ever heard of these unusual meteorites?
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