Scientists claim to have found an extremely rare meteorite containing some of the oldest material in the solar system, in Antarctica.
– When we saw it sitting by itself in the middle of the blue ice, we were all excited, says Chicago Field Museum researcher Maria Valdes to the Chicago Tribune, reproduced by New York Post.
Spectacular view of the sky tonight
The discovery was made in December, right on the eve of an eleven-day expedition. The size of the meteorite is compared to a gourd, which is a fruit in the pumpkin family, according to Store norske lexikon.
Seven kilos found
According to The Independent, as cited by the New York Post, the meteorite is one of the largest ever found on the continent. For comparison, only 100 of a total of 45,000 meteorites taken from Antarctica in the last century must be of a similar size or larger. The Chicago Field Museum informs the news website.
Valdes explains that the rock had what they describe in technical terms as a “fusion crust”, a glassy outer layer. That it was worn out, Valdes says, is a sign that it has been on the ground for a long time.
– All meteorites have something to say about the Earth’s development. Size doesn’t necessarily matter when it comes to meteorites, and even small meteorites can be incredibly valuable, scientifically speaking, says Valdes.
– Must have been something special
According to the Independent, most of the meteorites that have been discovered in Antarctica have only weighed a few grams. The latest find is significantly larger than that – and weighed just over seven kilos.
To be analyzed
– Finding one that big.. it’s a bit of luck, to be honest.
So says Maria Schönbächler, professor at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, who was also part of the team that made the unusual discovery.
According to the researchers, the meteorite appears to be made of chondrite, which is the most common material for meteorites. It should indicate that the meteorite probably originated in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Arousing attention: – Never seen before
Now the meteorite has been sent to The Royal Belgian Institute and Natural Sciences in Belgium for a chemical analysis. It is transported in a special cooling box to prevent any thawing that could damage the structure.
The Independent writes that Antarctica is a favorite place for scientists who are looking for meteorites, precisely because of the cold and dry climate, which contributes to what lands being preserved in good condition. In addition, active glaciers can help propel ancient meteorites to the surface.
