Northwest Africa 5972 Meteorite Quick Facts
- Name: Northwest Africa 5972
- Year Discovered: 2009
- Approximate Recovery Location: Morocco
- Precise Recovery Location: (0.0, 0.0)
- Mass: 615 grams
- Classification: CR2
- Discovery Type: Found
- Condition: Valid
More Details About the Northwest Africa 5972 Meteorite
The Northwest Africa 5972 meteorite was discovered in 2009. It was recovered in Morocco (0.0, 0.0). It has a mass of 615 grams.
Northwest Africa 5972 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 5972’s official classification is CR2. The “CR2” classification describes a carbonaceous chondrite from the CR group, specifically of petrologic type 2, known for its large and abundant porphyritic chondrules with igneous rims and a composition that includes significant metal and hydrated fine-grained matrix. These meteorites are characterized by their high content of water-related minerals, nickel-bearing sulfides, and the presence of chondrules amidst a substantial fine-grained matrix.
The Northwest Africa 5972 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