Hoba Meteorite

The Hoba Meteorite, Earth's largest intact meteorite, weighing about 54,000 kilograms (119,000 pounds), is unique not only for its massive 60-ton weight but also for its lack of an impact crater.

Quick Facts

Location Found:	Hoba West Farm, 12 miles west of Grootfontein, Namibia
Discovery Date:	1920
Current Location:	Hoba West Farm, 12 miles west of Grootfontein, Namibia
Authenticity:	Confirmed
Open to the Public:	Yes

Hoba Meteorite

The Hoba Meteorite: Earth's Largest Iron Meteorite

The Hoba Meteorite, the largest known intact meteorite on Earth, is an awe-inspiring reminder of the cosmos and its interactions with our planet. Located in Namibia, this gigantic iron meteorite weighs over 60 tons and has been studied extensively for its unique composition and formation. While most meteorites disintegrate upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, Hoba has remained almost perfectly intact, giving scientists and visitors a glimpse into the material that makes up our solar system.

Ora Scheel, on Hoba meteorite, world's largest meteorite, in 1952.

Discovery of the Hoba Meteorite

The Hoba Meteorite was discovered in 1920 on the Hoba West farm in Namibia. According to local accounts, it was accidentally uncovered by a farmer who was plowing his fields and struck a hard, metallic object that turned out to be this enormous meteorite. The Namibian government has since declared it a national monument, preserving it as a scientific and cultural treasure.

Physical Characteristics and Composition

The meteorite is roughly rectangular, measuring about 2.7 meters in length, 2.7 meters in width, and 0.9 meters in thickness. Its flat shape, likely resulting from its unique atmospheric entry, is relatively unusual for meteorites, which often have more irregular shapes.

Hoba Meteorite Metalic Appearance

Composed primarily of iron and nickel, Hoba is classified as an ataxite meteorite, a type of nickel-iron meteorite with a high nickel content. Its iron content is approximately 82–83%, while nickel comprises around 16%. Other trace elements like cobalt and phosphorus have also been found, contributing valuable information about the elemental makeup of our solar system.

Age and Origin

Scientists estimate that the Hoba Meteorite fell to Earth approximately 80,000 years ago, though its exact origin remains a mystery. Most meteorites are fragments from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, likely remnants of proto-planetary collisions that occurred billions of years ago. Hoba’s iron-nickel composition supports the theory that it originated from the core of an asteroid, solidifying its role as a natural time capsule from the formation of the solar system.

Hoba Meteorite size comparison

Theories on Hoba's Survival

The Hoba Meteorite’s intact form is unusual, as most meteorites of similar size and composition break apart or vaporize during atmospheric entry. Its flat, pancake-like shape may have allowed it to “skip” through the atmosphere, much like a stone skimming across water, thereby slowing its descent and minimizing damage.

Additionally, scientists believe Hoba may have fallen at a low velocity due to its shallow angle of entry, allowing it to land without creating a significant crater. The meteorite is embedded in the earth but lacks a noticeable impact crater, lending weight to this theory.

Cultural and Scientific Significance

The Hoba Meteorite is more than a scientific curiosity; it is a cultural landmark and a national treasure. As the largest single-piece meteorite on Earth, it attracts thousands of visitors annually. Its scientific significance lies in its elemental makeup, which provides crucial clues about the early solar system.

Additionally, the meteorite's presence offers insights into the effects of cosmic impacts on Earth and the dynamic processes that bring material from other parts of the solar system to our planet’s surface.

Visiting the Hoba Meteorite

Hoba meteorite in 1950s. Farm was owned by Mrs Ora Scheel, instrumental in having the meteorite declared as a national monument in 1955, to protect against vandalism. Image depicts a farm employee of Mrs Scheel.The meteorite was sited in a wilderness, an unguarded part of the farm, as illustrated, and was thus vulnerable to vandalism.

Today, the Hoba Meteorite is easily accessible to the public, having been declared a national monument by the Namibian government in 1955. A visitor center and surrounding facilities have been established to protect the meteorite from potential damage and weathering, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors can walk around the meteorite, examine its surface, and appreciate its sheer scale while learning more about its fascinating journey from the depths of space to its current resting place on Earth.

The Hoba Meteorite is a natural marvel that continues to captivate the imagination of scientists and tourists alike. As the largest meteorite on Earth, it is a monument to the immense forces at play in our universe and serves as a testament to Earth’s ongoing interaction with cosmic material. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a scientist, or a curious traveler, the Hoba Meteorite offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos, experiencing firsthand the mysteries and wonders of our universe.

References

Arebbusch Travel Lodge - Hoba Meteorite