Northwest Africa 3159 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 3159
- Year Discovered: 2005
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 397 grams
- Classification: Eucrite
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 3159 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 3159 meteorite was discovered in 2005. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 397 grams.
Northwest Africa 3159 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 3159’s official classification is Eucrite. The “Eucrite” classification describes a type of achondrite meteorite belonging to the eucrite group, known for being devoid of chondrules and originating from a body that has undergone differentiation. Eucrites, characterized by their basaltic composition, predominant Fe-rich pyroxene, and Na-poor plagioclase, share significant geochemical similarities and are part of the HED meteorite group, which includes diogenites and howardites, and is potentially linked to asteroid 4 Vesta.
The Northwest Africa 3159 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