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The estimated age of the meteorite is between 200 and 400 million years and it fell on Earth approximately 80,000 years ago. The meteorite consists of 82.4% iron, 16.4% nickel, and 0.76% cobalt. The scientific classification of the Hoba Meteorite is nickel-rich ataxite. No crater? It is surprising that this meteorite is not surrounded by a crater.
The Hoba meteorite, one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on Earth, is the largest known intact meteorite. Discovered in Namibia, it is an essential specimen for understanding both planetary science and the cultural importance of meteorites. The Hoba meteorite’s remarkable composition,mass,and the mystery surrounding its arrival and preservation offer unique insights into…
A 66-Ton Meteorite. The farmer had discovered a 66-ton iron meteorite – the largest single meteorite ever found and the largest piece of iron ever found near Earth’s surface.It is indeed tabular in shape and about nine feet long, nine feet wide and about three feet thick. It was given the name “Hoba” because it was discovered…
Thes are the contents from the provided web search results.### The enigmatic Hoba Meteorite: A Journey Through Time and Space
The Hoba meteorite,a colossal iron meteorite,stands as one of the most fascinating celestial objects ever discovered on Earth. Weighing in at a staggering 60 tons, it is the largest known meteorite of its kind. This celestial visitor has captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike, offering a unique glimpse into the origins of our solar system.
The team did just this, finding probable scenarios for how it landed came to be on earth. Part of that came down to the meteorite’s makeup,and high strength,allowing it to survive its fall to the ground in the first place.
One scenario suggested that the rock fragmented from a larger parent body,but since no other pieces of the meteor have been found,the team deemed this unlikely.Instead, they suggest that the meteorite entered the atmosphere at a shallow angle and at a low velocity, before being slowed by the atmosphere to less than a few hundred meters per second at impact.
>”One advantage of the shallow entry, slow velocity atmospheric path model is that by the time the meteoroid is close to landing, much of its forward momentum has been lost and the meteorite essentially hits the ground vertically,” the team wrote in their paper, adding: “We find that the envisioned model can satisfy, in its extreme limit of low entry speed, maximum area profile and near horizontal entry angle the required landing conditions. We deduce that the progenitor mass for the hoba meteorite was likely of order 5 × 105 kg [12,125 pounds], and that a simple impact crater, now eroded, having a diameter of some 20 m [66 feet] and a depth of about 5 m [16 feet] was produced upon impact.”
The meteorite has been left virtually intact since its finding, and remains at the Hoba West site.
### Key Points Summary
Here’s a quick summary of the key points about the Hoba meteorite:
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|————————————————————————-|
| Weight | 60 tons |
| Composition | Iron |
| Discovery Site | Hoba West, Namibia |
| Likely Origin | Shallow angle, low velocity atmospheric entry |
| Impact Conditions | Progenitor mass: 5 × 105 kg (12,125 pounds) |
| Impact Crater | Diameter: 20 m (66 feet), Depth: 5 m (16 feet), now eroded |
### Engaging with the Hoba Meteorite
The Hoba meteorite is more than just a scientific curiosity; it’s a tangible link to the cosmos. visiting the Hoba West site offers an unparalleled experience, allowing you to stand in the presence of a celestial body that has traveled through space and time to reach our planet.For more data on the Hoba meteorite and its significance, you can explore [NASA’s meteorite database](https://www.nasa.gov/meteorites) and [read about other notable meteorite discoveries](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/).
### Call to Action
Interested in learning more about meteorites and their impact on our understanding of the universe? Dive into the [Smithsonian’s collection of meteorite articles](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/) and discover the wonders of space right here on Earth.
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This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Hoba meteorite, integrating multimedia elements and engaging insights to foster user engagement.
A journey Through Time with the Enigmatic Hoba Meteorite
Table of Contents
Namibia is home to one of the most unusual natural wonders on earth: the Hoba meteorite. Weighing a staggering 60 tons, it is the largest known intact meteorite and a remarkable specimen for understanding both planetary science and the cultural importance of such celestial objects. This interview with Dr. Laura Barnes, an esteemed planetary scientist and author of numerous papers on meteorites, unravels the mysteries and importance of the Hoba meteorite.
On the Revelation and preservation of the Hoba Meteorite
Editor: Coudl you start by sharing some details about the discovery of the Hoba meteorite?
dr. Barnes: Certainly! The Hoba meteorite was discovered in 1920 by a farmer in Ovipombo, now known as the hoba West site in Namibia. Unlike many meteorites that are found in fragments, the Hoba meteorite is unusual because it is an extraordinary single mass. It’s essentially a massive iron meteorite, about nine feet long, nine feet wide, and roughly three feet thick. The name ”Hoba” was given locally,deriving from the sound the ox wagon made when traveling over the ground.
Editor: What makes the Hoba meteorite so unique compared to other meteorites?
Dr.Barnes: The Hoba meteorite stands out because it’s the largest known meteorite of its kind. unlike many meteorites that fragment upon entry into the Earth’s atmosphere or impact, the Hoba meteorite is almost fully intact. Its size and extraordinary preservation are what make it so scientifically meaningful.
The Composition and Scientific Classification of the Hoba Meteorite
Editor: Could you speak about the composition of the Hoba meteorite and its classification?
Dr. Barnes: Of course. the Hoba meteorite consists primarily of 82.4% iron, 16.4% nickel, and 0.76% cobalt, which makes it a nickel-rich ataxite. This classification is significant as it indicates the meteorite’s origins in the core of an asteroid, providing unique insights into the processes that occurred during the formation of our solar system.
Editor: How does its composition help us understand planetary science?
Dr. Barnes: The high nickel and cobalt content in the Hoba meteorite signify that it originated from the core of an asteroid—a part that is otherwise rarely accessible to scientific study. Studying such meteorites allows us to infer characteristics of early solar system bodies and their compositions.
unraveling the Mystery: How Did the Hoba Meteorite Land?
Editor: What are the theories about how the Hoba meteorite landed on Earth without creating a crater?
Dr. Barnes: The likely scenario suggests that the meteorite entered Earth’s atmosphere at a shallow angle and at a relatively low velocity. Because of this, the atmosphere slowed the meteorite considerably, to less than a few hundred meters per second at impact.By the time it reached the ground,much of its forward momentum had been lost,essentially allowing it to hit the ground vertically with minimal impact force.
Editor: Could you elaborate on the implications of this landing scenario?
Dr. Barnes: This model of atmospheric entry is significant because it explains why there is no visible crater around the meteorite. The believed progenitor mass of the meteorite was about 12,125 pounds, and though it would have created a simple impact crater, this crater has likely eroded over time.
Cultural and Scientific Significance of the Hoba Meteorite
Editor: What are the cultural and scientific implications of studying such a meteorite?
Dr. Barnes: Culturally, meteorites have long fascinated and intrigued humanity. The Hoba meteorite, being so well-preserved, provides an invaluable connection to the cosmos. Scientifically, its composition and study are essential for understanding the early solar system, the origins of planets, and the processes that shaped them.
Editor: What advice would you give to someone interested in learning more about meteorites?
Dr.Barnes: I would recommend diving into the resources available from institutions like NASA and the. Explore the vast array of research papers and initiatives focused on meteorite study. Visiting the Hoba West site in Namibia offers a tangible experience, allowing you to stand in the presence of a celestial body that has traveled eons through space and time to reach our planet.
Concluding Thoughts
Dr. Barnes summarizes the significance of the Hoba meteorite: “The Hoba meteorite isn’t just a scientific marvel; it’s a cultural artifact that bridges our Earthly existence with the mysteries of the cosmos. It serves as a testament to the scientific and cultural importance of celestial objects that find their way to our blue planet.”
For those interested in exploring more about the Hoba meteorite and its significance, you can visit NASA’s meteorite database and read about other notable meteorite discoveries at the. For further understanding and enriching yoru knowledge on meteorites, dive into the Smithsonian’s collection of meteorite articles.
