Zagami meteorite
Zagami is a martian achondrite meteorite, officially classified as Martian (shergottite), that was seen to fall in Nigeria in 1962. A total of 18 kg was recovered. Witnessed falls are rare and especially valuable to science, because the stones are collected before Earth's weather can change them.
About Zagami
Zagami is a Martian meteorite weighing about 18 kilograms (40 lb). It landed 10 feet (3.0 m) from a farmer near Zagami, Nigeria, and became buried in a hole about 2 feet (0.61 m) deep. According to Ron Baalke of NASA/JPL, "The Zagami meteorite is the most easily obtainable SNC meteorite available to collectors," referring to the SNC classification of meteorites (Shergottites, Nakhlites, Chassignites), of which Martian meteorites belong.
Where it fell
Key facts
- Name
- Zagami
- Classification
- Martian (shergottite)
- Type
- Achondrite · Martian
- Group
- Martian
- Fall or find
- Fall (seen to fall)
- Year
- 1962
- Mass recovered
- 18 kg
- Country
- Nigeria
- Coordinates
- 11.7333° N, 7.0833° E
What is an achondrite?
Stony rock from a body that melted. Achondrites include crust and mantle pieces from asteroids, the Moon, and Mars. More about Shergottites.
Meteorites near Zagami
- Kabo H4 · 124 km away
- Karewar L6 · 130 km away
- Goronyo H4 · 250 km away
- Maigatari-Danduma H5/6 · 278 km away
- Richa Iron, IID · 285 km away
- Birni N'konni H4 · 298 km away
Other Martian meteorites
- Northwest Africa 5718 · 2006
- Northwest Africa 5313 · 2008
- Northwest Africa 5298 · 2008
- Northwest Africa 5219 · 2007
- Northwest Africa 5214 · 2007
- Northwest Africa 5029 · 2003
Introduction and photo shared under Creative Commons licences (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0).