El Médano 043 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: El Médano 043
- Year Discovered: 2011
- Approximate Recovery Location: Ruta 1, Taltal, Antofagasta, Chile
- Precise Recovery Location: (-24.85, -70.53333)
- Mass: 24.8 grams
- Classification: H4
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the El Médano 043 Meteorite
The El Médano 043 meteorite was discovered in 2011. It was recovered in Ruta 1, Taltal, Antofagasta, Chile (-24.85, -70.53333). It has a mass of 24.8 grams.
El Médano 043 is considered a “Valid” meteorite. “Valid” meteorites are typical meteorites with average weathering, while “relict” meteorites are those that have been extremely altered, either due to weathering over time or human intervention.
El Médano 043’s official classification is H4. The classification “H4” refers to a type of ordinary chondrite meteorite from the H group that is at petrologic type 4. These meteorites are characterized by having a significant number of chondrules and have undergone metamorphism that changed the composition of minerals like olivine and pyroxene while lacking primary igneous chondrule glass. This classification helps scientists study the history and properties of meteorites, shedding light on the early solar system.
The El Médano 043 meteorite is a “Found” meteorite. Meteorites are classified as “falls” if they were observed falling and recovered, while “finds” are those discovered later, often weathered by longer exposure to Earth’s environment and without a record of being seen as they fell.
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Last Updated: 1/10/24