Mihonoseki Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Mihonoseki
- Year Discovered: 1992
- Approximate Recovery Location: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, , Japan
- Precise Recovery Location: (35.56833, 133.22)
- Mass: 6380 grams
- Classification: L6
- Discovery Type: fall
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Mihonoseki Meteorite
The Mihonoseki meteorite was discovered in 1992. It was recovered in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, , Japan (35.56833, 133.22). It has a mass of 6380 grams.
Mihonoseki 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.
Mihonoseki’s official classification is L6. The “L6” classification signifies a low-iron ordinary chondrite from the L group, characterized by a specific range of oxygen isotopes and moderate-sized chondrules. This type 6 meteorite has undergone extensive metamorphism, leading to uniform mineral composition, transformation of pyroxene types, and larger secondary minerals, while maintaining the original chondrule shapes without melting.
The Mihonoseki meteorite is a “fall” 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: 12/29/23