TRUE or FALSE: Hoba Meteorite

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Hoba Meteorite is the Largest Meteorite on Earth

The Hoba Meteorite lies on the farm "Hoba West", not far from Grootfontein, in the Otjozondjupa Region of Namibia. It was uncovered by farmer Jacobus Hermanus Brits while tilling one of

his fields behind his ox in 1920 when his plough got stuck. The meteorite was excavated soon after but because of it was so massive – about 60 tons - it was never moved. The Hobe meteorite is not only the largest known meteorite but also the most massive naturally-occurring piece of iron known at the Earth's surface.

The Hoba meteorite is thought to have landed less than 80,000 years ago. Curiously, the meteorite left no visible crater. It is speculated that the meteorite entered the Earth’s atmosphere at a very shallow angle, slowed down by the atmosphere to the point that it fell to the surface at terminal velocity, thereby remaining intact and causing little excavation. The meteorite is unusual in that it is flat on both major surfaces, possibly causing it to have skipped across the top of the atmosphere in the way a flat stone skips on water.

The meteorite measures 8 feet 9 inches by 3 feet. In 1920 its mass was estimated at 66 tons. Erosion, scientific sampling and vandalism have reduced its bulk over the years to an estimated 60 tons. Marks of iron saws can be recognized easily at many places on the meteorite surface.

In the attempt to control vandalism, the Hoba meteorite was declared a National Monument in 1955. However, vandalizing of

the meteorite continued until the Rössing Foundation funded a thoroughly restoration and preservation of the meteorite in 1988. Later that year, a tourist centre was opened at the site. For a small fee the Hoba iron can be visited, touched and even climbed for spectacular photo shooting. The Hoba meteorite is now visited by thousands of tourists every year.