138 grams. CV3
TKW 2 tons. Observed fall 8 February 1969, at the village of Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico.
     
Darryl writes:
The complete slice pictured was featured in the Christie’s Deep Impact Meteorite Auction. Allende contains isotopes scientists believe were created during the explosion of a supernova prior to the formation of our solar system. The white CAIs (calcium-aluminum inclusions) seen here are thought to be the first substances to have condensed out of the gaseous nebula from which our solar system originated. In effect, these inclusions are aggregates of true “stardust“ and is among the oldest matter mankind can touch. Allende is the most studied meteorite of all time in the world. Hundreds of scientific papers have been written about the meteorite and its components. In the winter of 1969 NASA engineers were the final stages of preparations for the first manned space flight to the Moon. As scientists were eagerly awaiting and preparing their labs for the return of lunar samples, the tons of Allende meteorites which fell on February 8th in the middle of the night provided a pre-Apollo bonanza to the scientific community. |