Northwest Africa 4878 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 4878
- Year Discovered: 2007
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 130 grams
- Classification: Martian (shergottite)
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 4878 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 4878 meteorite was discovered in 2007. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 130 grams.
Northwest Africa 4878 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 4878’s official classification is Martian (shergottite). A “Martian (shergottite)” meteorite is a type of meteorite that originated from Mars and belongs to the shergottite category. These meteorites are composed of basaltic to lherzolitic igneous rocks and are named after the Shergotty meteorite that fell in India in 1865.
The Northwest Africa 4878 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