Meteorite Tatahouine 0,6g – Tunisia

The Tatahouine meteorite belongs to the group of achondrites, specifically to the subgroup of diogenites. Diogenites are deep-seated igneous rocks that formed in the mantle of Vesta, one of the largest bodies in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Vesta is considered a protoplanet with a differentiated structure similar to terrestrial planets, meaning it has a core, mantle, and crust. Its composition is predominantly pyroxenic, rich in the mineral pyroxene, with minor amounts of olivine and plagioclase. Scientists believe that these rocks were ejected from Vesta during collisions with other asteroids and eventually landed on Earth as meteorites.

The Tatahouine meteorite fell near the town of Tatahouine in southern Tunisia on June 27, 1931. The fall was witnessed by several locals. Upon entering the atmosphere, the meteorite broke into thousands of small fragments, scattered over a wide area. Many of these pieces were quickly collected by local residents and scientists.

The town of Tatahouine became famous not only for its meteorite but also because its name inspired George Lucas when creating the desert planet Tatooine in the legendary Star Wars saga. The Tunisian landscape around the town, with its characteristic desert scenery and traditional architecture, was used as filming locations for iconic scenes from both the original trilogy and later films. This unique connection makes the Tatahouine meteorite not only a significant scientific specimen but also an object with strong cultural impact, linking the world of mineralogy with pop culture.