Meteorite Kapoeta – South Sudan
Meteorite type: HED Achondrite / Howardite
Locality: South Sudan
Weight: 0,02g
Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 1 mm
Year fell: 1942
Total known weight: 11,36 kg
Surface treatment: none – raw
Packaging: Transparent plastic box (5,8 x 3,8 x 1,6 cm)
| Category: | Kapoeta |
|---|---|
| By name: | Kapoeta |
| ? Type: | Stony |
| Subspecies: | Achondrite |
| ? Surface treatment: | Natural (raw) |
| Packaging: | In box |
| Specialties: | Observed fall |
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Kapoeta Meteorite – a Dramatic Fall and Origin from Asteroid Vesta
The Kapoeta meteorite is a significant achondrite meteorite that made history with its dramatic fall to Earth on April 22, 1942 near the picturesque village of Kapoeta in South Sudan. This spectacular cosmic phenomenon was not only observed but also carefully documented. Local inhabitants witnessed a bright fireball streaking across the sky, descending rapidly, entering the atmosphere, and impacting the ground. After impact, approximately 11.3 kilograms of fragments were recovered.
Classification
Kapoeta is classified as a howardite, a type of achondrite composed primarily of fragments of other achondritic meteorites, especially eucrites and diogenites. These rocks formed on the surface of asteroids as a mix of debris and dust, fused together by impact processes.
Origin
It is believed that the Kapoeta meteorite originated from the surface of asteroid Vesta in the main asteroid belt. Asteroids in this region, including Vesta, underwent intense collisions and melting due to impacts by other space bodies, which led to the formation, fragmentation, and brecciation of various rock types.
Following a major impact, fragments were ejected into space. Some of these eventually intersected Earth's orbit. The Kapoeta meteorite is one such fragment, which traveled through space for millions of years before finally landing on our planet.
Composition
The composition of the Kapoeta meteorite includes various minerals such as pyroxenes, plagioclase, olivine, and metal alloys. It also contains iron and titanium oxides, with ilmenite being a notable component. Sulfides are also present, particularly troilite, along with chromite inclusions that give the meteorite its distinctive features.