Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Meteorite Found in Costa Rica 4.56 Billion Years Old

The UCR has confirmed that the rock that fell in San Carlos is a meteor and that it is approximately 4.56 billion years old. The initial studies indicate that it is composed of silicon, iron and magnesium.

The meteorite is named Aguas Zarcas, pending approval by the Meteoritical Society. The main fragment weighs 1,071 grams but there were also 1,152 smaller fragments that fell on a house.

The main fragment was analyzed in the home with specialized equipment from the Petrography and Geochemistry Section of the School of Geology. A press release from the University of Costa Rica detailed that it is a chondritic meteorite.

Major studies will be done on it to confirm more information. The meteorite belongs to the lady who owns the house where it fell but fragments are being studied. Fragments fell in other areas, even creating a 14 centimeter crater.

No comments:

Post a Comment