Hoba Meteorite

Hoba Meteorite

The Hoba meteorite (Hoba meteorite), also known as West Hoba, is a meteorite located on the Hoba Farm near Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia, not far from the Oshikoto area. It was never buried, but due to its massive weight, it has also never been moved from the site where it fell. Its mass is estimated to be about 60 metric tons, making it the largest known meteorite (single fragment) and the largest naturally occurring piece of iron on Earth's surface.

The Hoba meteorite is believed to have fallen around 80,000 years ago. It is a tabular iron meteorite, measuring 2.7 meters in both length and width, and 0.9 meters in height. In 1920, its mass was estimated to be 66 metric tons. Erosion, scientific sampling, and vandalism have caused its mass to decrease over the years, and it is now estimated to weigh around 60 metric tons. The composition of this iron meteorite is 84% iron, 16% nickel, along with detectable amounts of cobalt. It is classified as an iron-rich ataxite; chemically, it is categorized as an IVB iron meteorite. Due to weathering, iron hydroxides are present in the melted crust on its surface.

In an effort to prevent further damage, the Namibian government (then South West Africa) declared the Hoba meteorite a national monument on March 15, 1955, and agreed that the then-farm owner, Ms. Scheel, would retain ownership of the meteorite. In 1985, the Rössing Uranium Mine Ltd. provided funding and resources to the Namibian government to protect the meteorite from additional harm. In 1987, Mr. J. Engelbrecht, the owner of the Hoba Farm, donated the meteorite and the surrounding land to the state for educational purposes. By the end of that year, the government opened the site as a recreational attraction. This development put an end to the damage being done to the meteorite and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Hoba meteorite

Must-visit reason: The largest naturally occurring piece of iron on Earth's surface

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Namibia[Namibia]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Otjozondjupa Region [Otjozondjupa Region]