Hoba Meteorite - A Fascinating Piece of Namibian History
The Hoba Meteorite is an extraordinary piece of Namibian history, located in the Otjozondjupa Region of Namibia. It is the largest known meteorite in the world and is estimated to weigh around 66 tons, making it the heaviest known meteorite. It is also one of the oldest known meteorites, estimated to have fallen to Earth around 80,000 years ago. The Hoba Meteorite is an impressive sight to behold and is a popular tourist attraction in Namibia.
History
The Hoba Meteorite was first discovered in 1920 by a farmer named Jacobus Hermanus Brits while he was plowing his land. Brits noticed an unusual rock that was so large he was unable to move it. After some investigation, it was determined that the rock was a meteorite and it was given the name Hoba, which is the name of the farm where it was found.
The meteorite was studied by the Smithsonian Institution in the United States and was found to be composed of an iron-nickel alloy. It was determined to be an ataxite, a type of meteorite composed of mostly iron and nickel with very little stone or stony material.
Amazing Facts
The Hoba Meteorite is an impressive sight to behold, not only because of its size but also because of its composition. It is composed of an iron-nickel alloy, which is incredibly rare. In fact, only about 5% of all meteorites are composed of iron-nickel alloys.
The Hoba Meteorite is also incredibly old. It is estimated to have fallen to Earth around 80,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known meteorites. It is also one of the most studied meteorites in the world, as it has been studied by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution in the United States.
Things to Do
The Hoba Meteorite is a popular tourist attraction in Namibia and there are many things to do at the site. Visitors can explore the area around the meteorite and take in its impressive size and composition. There is also a small museum on site that showcases the history of the meteorite and its discovery.
The Hoba Meteorite is also a great spot for star-gazing. On a clear night, visitors can get a great view of the stars and planets in the sky. The area around the meteorite is also home to many different species of wildlife, so visitors can also take in the local wildlife while they explore the area.
The Hoba Meteorite is an incredible piece of Namibian history and a must-see for anyone visiting the country. It is an impressive sight to behold and is a great spot for star-gazing and wildlife viewing. It is a great place to learn more about the history of the meteorite and its discovery.