Northwest Africa 4909 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 4909
- Year Discovered: 1998
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location:
- Mass: 966 grams
- Classification: H5
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 4909 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 4909 meteorite was discovered in 1998. It was recovered in Morocco . It has a mass of 966 grams.
Northwest Africa 4909 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 4909’s official classification is H5. The “H5” classification indicates a high-iron ordinary chondrite from the H group, characterized by its relatively small chondrules and siderophile elements, with oxygen isotope ratios nearing Earth’s values. This type 5 meteorite has undergone significant metamorphism, leading to a uniform composition of minerals like olivine and pyroxene, growth of secondary minerals, and less distinct chondrule features.
The Northwest Africa 4909 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