Northwest Africa 4444 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 4444
- Year Discovered: 2005
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 145 grams
- Classification: L3.2
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 4444 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 4444 meteorite was discovered in 2005. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 145 grams.
Northwest Africa 4444 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 4444’s official classification is L3.2. The classification “L3.2” refers to an ordinary chondrite from the L group that is of petrologic type 3. Ordinary chondrites are a major class of meteorites known for their abundance of chondrules (small mineral grains) and relatively low levels of aqueous alteration. The L group within this class is characterized by moderate-sized chondrules and specific oxygen isotope compositions, and petrologic type 3 indicates minimal aqueous alteration and distinct mineral features like monoclinic low-Ca pyroxene grains with twinning.
The Northwest Africa 4444 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