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What is the largest recorded meteorite ever discovered, and where was it found?

Idabelle Putnam

Hey there!

Interesting question you've got there. The largest recorded meteorite ever discovered is the Hoba meteorite, and it was found in Namibia. This massive piece of iron weighs around 60 tons and measures approximately 2.7 meters long, 2.7 meters wide, and 0.9 meters high. Can you believe that?

The discovery of the Hoba meteorite was quite accidental. Back in 1920, a farmer named Jacobus Hermanus Brits was plowing his field when he stumbled upon the massive rock. At first, he thought it was an old bomb or ammunition left over from the war. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that it was something much more extraordinary, a meteorite!

The Hoba meteorite is estimated to be around 80,000 years old. It is believed to have fallen to the Earth's surface some 80,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene epoch. Scientists speculate that the meteorite was once part of a larger iron asteroid that broke up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere.

The Hoba meteorite is not only the largest recorded meteorite ever discovered, but it is also the most massive naturally occurring piece of iron on Earth. Scientists have studied the meteorite extensively, and although it has been around for over 80,000 years, it is believed to be of extraterrestrial origins.

The Hoba meteorite has become a popular tourist attraction. A small visitor center has been built around the meteorite site, which provides visitors with information about the meteorite's discovery and history. Visitors can also marvel at the sheer size of the meteorite and take photos with this massive piece of space rock.

In conclusion, the largest recorded meteorite ever discovered is the Hoba meteorite, which was found in Namibia. The Hoba meteorite weighs around 60 tons and measures approximately 2.7 meters long, 2.7 meters wide, and 0.9 meters high. It is believed to be around 80,000 years old and is of extraterrestrial origins. The Hoba meteorite has become a popular tourist attraction in Namibia, and it truly is an extraordinary piece of space rock.