Elephant Moraine 87551 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Elephant Moraine 87551
- Year Discovered: 1987
- Approximate Recovery Location: Antarctica
- Precise Recovery Location: (-76.05056, 156.44307)
- Mass: 476 grams
- Classification: H5
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Elephant Moraine 87551 Meteorite
The Elephant Moraine 87551 meteorite was discovered in 1987. It was recovered in Antarctica (-76.05056, 156.44307). It has a mass of 476 grams.
Elephant Moraine 87551 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.
Elephant Moraine 87551’s official classification is H5. The “H5” classification indicates a high-iron ordinary chondrite from the H group, characterized by its relatively small chondrules and siderophile elements, with oxygen isotope ratios nearing Earth’s values. This type 5 meteorite has undergone significant metamorphism, leading to a uniform composition of minerals like olivine and pyroxene, growth of secondary minerals, and less distinct chondrule features.
The Elephant Moraine 87551 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