Northwest Africa 4644 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 4644
- Year Discovered: 2006
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location: (0.0, 0.0)
- Mass: 159.1 grams
- Classification: L3-6
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 4644 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 4644 meteorite was discovered in 2006. It was recovered in Morocco (0.0, 0.0). It has a mass of 159.1 grams.
Northwest Africa 4644 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 4644’s official classification is L3-6. Meteorites classified as “L3-6” are ordinary chondrites from the L group that are breccias composed of components ranging from petrologic type 3 to type 6. Type 3 chondrites have abundant chondrules, minimal aqueous alteration, and distinct mineral characteristics, while type 6 chondrites have undergone metamorphism that altered mineral compositions and obliterated chondrule outlines. These brecciated meteorites contain a mixture of these petrologic types, combining both type 3 and type 6 materials.
The Northwest Africa 4644 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