Rare meteorite discovered in Antarctic snow

Researchers discovered a meteorite weighing up to 7.6 kg protruding from white snow while searching for meteorites in Antarctica.

The 7.6 kg meteorite was discovered in Antarctica last December.

The 7.6 kg meteorite was discovered in Antarctica last December. (Photo: María Valdés).

The meteorite weighing more than 7kg is one of 5 stones collected by researchers during a trip to Antarctica in December 2022. “When it comes to meteorites, size doesn’t really matter. Even tiny micrometeorites are extremely valuable scientifically. But of course, finding meteorites this big is very rare and really interesting.”shared Maria Valdes, research scientist at the Field Museum.

Valdes estimates that about 45,000 meteorites have been discovered in Antarctica over the past century, but only about 100 large stones weighing 15 pounds or more. This unusual discovery made researchers extremely excited.

Valdes and his colleagues tried a new technique of using satellite images to detect the area where the meteorite fell. According to Vinciane Debaille, a student at the University of Brussels, the reality on the ground is much more difficult than the beauty of satellite images. Even though February in Antarctica is summer, the expedition members still have to deal with the cold and long walks or sledding.

The meteorites will be transferred to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences for research. “The larger the meteorite sample, the more likely we are to understand the solar system”Valdes said.

Many scientists from around the world travel to Antarctica every year to find meteorites. Because meteorites are black, they stand out against the white ice of Antarctica. The organic compounds in meteorites are preserved intact thanks to the cold, dry climate of the region.

Article source: VnExpress