Northwest Africa 2289 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 2289
- Year Discovered: 2003
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 160 grams
- Classification: R3-6
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 2289 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 2289 meteorite was discovered in 2003. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 160 grams.
Northwest Africa 2289 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 2289’s official classification is R3-6. The R3-6 classification denotes a specific type of R chondrite meteorite, which is a complex mix, or breccia, composed of various fragments that range from petrologic types 3 to 6. These R chondrites, which don’t fit neatly into the major chondrite classes, are characterized by a blend of features from slightly metamorphosed chondrites (with abundant chondrules and less altered minerals) to more extensively metamorphosed types (with homogenized mineral compositions and less distinct chondrules).
The Northwest Africa 2289 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