Antarctic Meteorite

During the austral summer of 2012-2013, a Belgian-Japanese team collected no less than 425 meteorites on the Nansen Ice Field in Antarctica. This 18kg specimen was discovered on the 28th of January 2013. According to Belgian researchers, it is the largest meteorite found in East Antarctica for 25 years, and the fifth largest of more than 16,000 meteorites found in this part of Antarctica.

This meteorite probably originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is an ordinary chondrite, in other words, the most abundant kind of meteorite found on Earth. However, its size makes it very special. Come and judge for yourselves: the meteorite is now on display in the room, opposite the Belgica!