MacAlpine Hills 02556 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: MacAlpine Hills 02556
- Year Discovered: 2002
- Approximate Recovery Location: Antarctica
- Precise Recovery Location: (-84.21667, 160.5)
- Mass: 1.41 grams
- Classification: E3
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the MacAlpine Hills 02556 Meteorite
The MacAlpine Hills 02556 meteorite was discovered in 2002. It was recovered in Antarctica (-84.21667, 160.5). It has a mass of 1.41 grams.
MacAlpine Hills 02556 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.
MacAlpine Hills 02556’s official classification is E3. The “E3” meteorite classification refers to an enstatite chondrite, a specific type of meteorite known for its unique chemical and isotopic composition, which falls into the category of petrologic type 3 but hasn’t been assigned to a specific enstatite chondrite group. This type 3 classification indicates that the meteorite contains numerous chondrules (small, round particles), has undergone minimal water-based alteration, and has minerals that haven’t fully equilibrated, suggesting limited thermal metamorphism since its formation.
The MacAlpine Hills 02556 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: 1/12/24