| Accession No |
1805.357
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| Name/Title |
MOKOIA METEORITE
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| Brief Description |
This rare class of meteorite, in two pieces, is composed of a form of carbon called a carbonaceous chondrite. These fragments of meteor fell at Mokoia, about 80 km north of Whanganui, on 26 November 1908. The meteor exploded with a shattering roar which was heard from North Taranaki to Hawke’s Bay. The main body of the meteor was seen to fall into the sea off Castlecliff Beach in Whanganui. it was only the fourth ever meteorite seen to fall in New Zealand and it created great international interest.
Meteors are debris left over from the formation of the Earth's solar system more than 5000 million years ago. Trapped by the Earth’s gravity, they fall through the atmosphere, turning into fireballs and exploding before impact.
|
| Credit Line |
Two pieces from the main specimen of a rare form of meteorite that fell on the South Taranaki coast on 26 November 1908. Made from carbonaceous chondrite, an organic form of carbon, it was only the fourth ever meteorite seen to fall in New Zealand, and it created much international interest.
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| Primary Prod Date |
26 Nov 1908
|
| Primary Prod Period |
20th century
|
| Primary Prod Place |
Mokoia/South Taranaki/Aotearoa/New Zealand
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| Measurement Reading |
13.5 x 14.5 x 8cm
10 x 6.5 x 7cm
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