Martian meteorites, also known as SNC meteorites (Shergottites, Nakhlites, and Chassignites), are a group of meteorites that are believed to originate from Mars.
These meteorites are significant because they provide scientists with valuable information about the geology and potential past environments of the Martian surface.
They are a rare category of meteorites. Of the over 70,000 meteorites that have been classified to date, only about 200 Martian meteorites had been discovered on Earth.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MARTIAN
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There are three groups of Martian meteorite: shergottites, nakhlites and chassignites collectively known as SNC Meteorites. Several other Martian meteorites are so called “ungrouped meteorites”.
In the 1980’s, experts had taken notice of the discovery of much younger meteorites that appeared to have crystallised from lava. Geological and chemical processes unique to planets, particularly signs of water, strongly suggested Mars. Gases trapped in the meteorites confirmed this theory.
The composition perfectly matches that of the Martian atmosphere as measured by NASA’s Viking landers.
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Martian meteorites offered the first intriguing glimpses of the planet’s geology.
Now rovers travel Mars, analyzing its surface and atmosphere, looking for any organic molecules that might answer the question: is there, or has there ever been, life on Mars?
INTERESTING FACTS
BLACK BEAUTY IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE “HOLY GRAIL OF METEORITES”
What makes this material so unique is the fact that it is the only martian meteorite to have ever been
discovered that does not belong to one of the three main classifications; Shergottites, Nakhlites, or Chassignites.
It is a classification all on its own.
The official name for this meteorite is: NWA7034, which stands for “North West Africa 7034” indicating the location where it was discovered.
Black Beauty meteorites have a higher water content than any other Martian meteorite, as well as being the oldest; containing components 4.4 billion years old.
Black Beauty is the only representation known to date that contains all the key building blocks for microscopic life, depicting that life on Mars at one point was technically possible.
Official name: NWA12594
Classification: Shergottite
Weight: 700.8gr
Age: 250 million years old
Origin: Algeria
Type: Martian meteorite
What makes this material so unique is the fact that it is the only martian meteorite to have ever been
discovered that does not belong to one of the three main classifications; Shergottites, Nakhlites, or Chassignites.
It is a classification all on its own.
The official name for this meteorite is: NWA7034, which stands for “North West Africa 7034” indicating the location where it was discovered.
Black Beauty meteorites have a higher water content than any other Martian meteorite, as well as being the oldest; containing components 4.4 billion years old.
Black Beauty is the only representation known to date that contains all the key building blocks for microscopic life, depicting that life on Mars at one point was technically possible.
Official name: NWA12594
Classification: Shergottite
Weight: 700.8gr
Age: 250 million years old
Origin: Algeria
Type: Martian meteorite
MARTIANS
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