Northwest Africa 1661 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 1661
- Year Discovered: 2002
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 123.4 grams
- Classification: L3/4
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 1661 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 1661 meteorite was discovered in 2002. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 123.4 grams.
Northwest Africa 1661 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.
Northwest Africa 1661’s official classification is L3/4. The L3/4 meteorite classification represents a group of meteorites that belong to the L category of ordinary chondrites, known for their lower iron content and specific chondrule characteristics. These meteorites exhibit qualities of both petrologic types 3 and 4, indicating they are in an intermediate stage of metamorphism with features ranging from abundant chondrules and minimal alteration (type 3) to more homogenized mineral compositions and the beginning of matrix recrystallization (type 4).
The Northwest Africa 1661 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: 1/15/24