Scientists just discovered a 17-pound meteorite in Antarctica

Scientists just discovered a 17-pound meteorite in Antarctica
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A lot of people don't know that. Antarctica is actually an oasis for rocks falling from space onto land. 

Over the past 100 years, scientists have recovered approximately 45,000 meteorites from that single frozen continent. However, only a small number (approximately 100) of these rocks are as heavy as the recently discovered meteorite, which weighs 16.7 pounds (7.57 kg). 

Research scientist at the Field Museum, Maria Valdes said in a press release, “Size doesn’t necessarily matter when it comes to meteorites, and even tiny micrometeorites can be incredibly scientifically valuable, but of course, finding a big meteorite like this one is rare, and really exciting.” 

However, only a few (about 100) of these rocks are as heavy as the new meteorite, weighing in at 16.7 pounds (7.57 kg).

Most space rocks found on Earth have come from the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. Scientist at the museum in the field, maria valdes, according to a press release, 'size is not necessarily important when dealing with meteorites, and even small micrometeorites can have amazing scientific value, Of course I do, It's rare to come across such a meteorite, and it's truly exciting." the strange link between meteorites and space rocks from Antarctica found on Earth comes from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. 

Since such space rocks are composed of ancient materials and minerals, studying them helps scientists better understand the cosmos. Because these spatial rocks are made from ancient materials and minerals, their study helps scientists better understand the cosmos. 

The heavy meteorite appears well preserved, and it could illuminate many unknown aspects of the history of our solar system. Experts at NASA claim that apart from the already found 45,000 meteorites, 300,000 additional space rocks are waiting to be discovered in the frozen continent. According to NASA experts, in addition to the 45,000 meteorites already discovered, another 300,000 space rocks are waiting to be discovered on the frozen continent.

Do you know why Antarctica has so many well-preserved meteorites? It is not just one good reason. First, the snow-covered landscape of the Antarctic, devoid of native rocks, allows scientists to easily spot dark extraterrestrial rocks in the ice.   

NASA's Earth Observatory has even published a map showing various meteorite hot spots in the Antarctic. Secondly, the mainland is essentially a frozen desert with a much lower rainfall rate and a dry climate. 

So not all the rocks there have suffered much alteration (deterioration of the rocks due to wet weather conditions) in relation to any other place on the planet.

The 17-pound meteorite adventure

Researchers with the 17-pound meteorite.

Courtesy of Maria Valdes

Although it is relatively easy to find small meteorites in Antarctica, the occurrence of such a heavy space rock is rare and is of great importance. With the kind permission of maria valdes even though it is relatively easy to find small meteorites in the Antarctic, the presence of such a heavy spatial rock is rare and of great importance. 

For instance, before going on the expedition, the researchers studied satellite imagery revealing ice thickness, surface slope, and various other parameters of the region. For example, before starting the expedition, the researchers studied satellite images showing ice thickness, surface slope and various other parameters in the area. 

This allowed them to pinpoint new locations where they had the maximum chance of finding the maximum number of meteorites. This made it possible for them to identify new places where they were most likely to find the maximum number of meteorites. 

They spent one and a half weeks exploring the frozen continent for space rocks at 14° F (-10° C) temperature. Spent a week and a half exploring the frozen continent searching for space rocks at a temperature of 14°F (-10°C).

When they came back, they had five new meteorites with them, including a rare 16.7 lbs. powerful spatial rock.

They spent a week and a half exploring the frozen continent in search of space rocks at a temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).