ExhibitS
METEORITE
The Campo del Cielo meteorite is a group of iron meteorites found in Argentina, near the border of the provinces of Chaco and Santiago del Estero.
These meteorites originated from a large meteoroid that struck the Earth around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, creating a field of impact craters. The name “Campo del Cielo,” meaning “Field of the Sky” in Spanish, refers to both the region and the celestial origin of the meteorites.
They are primarily composed of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni), but also contain trace elements such as cobalt (Co), phosphorus (P), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), and iridium (Ir). These components have made them valuable in the study of the early solar system and planetary formation.
Features of the Troodos Observatory
01
What is a meteorite?
Meteorites are solid celestial objects originating from space. They enter Earth’s atmosphere at high velocity and, if they are not completely destroyed by friction with the air, they reach the planet’s surface. At that point, they are classified as meteorites. They represent important samples of primordial material from the early solar system.
02
How often do meteorites fall to Earth?
It is estimated that approximately 500 meteorites fall to Earth’s surface each year. However, the majority go undetected, and only a small number are recovered and subjected to scientific analysis.
03
What is the difference between a meteorite and an asteroid?
04
What is the difference between a meteorite and a comet?
Comets are bodies rich in ice, volatile compounds, dust, and organic molecules. As they approach the Sun, they sublimate and develop a tail due to solar radiation and the solar wind. Unlike meteorites, comets typically follow highly elliptical orbits and have a distinct chemical composition.
05
What is the difference between a meteorite and a “shooting star”?
A “shooting star” is actually a meteor—the visible streak of light caused by a small object burning up upon entry into the atmosphere. If the object is fully vaporized, it remains a visual phenomenon. If part of it survives and reaches the surface, it is then classified as a meteorite.
06
What causes the sonic boom during a meteor's fall?
The phenomenon known as a sonic boom occurs when an object exceeds the speed of sound in the atmosphere (~340 m/s). Many meteorites, due to their extremely high entry velocities (up to 70,000 km/h), generate this effect as they descend.
07
Why is the sound heard after the light?
Light travels faster than sound, so the visual phenomenon (flash) is observed first, followed by the sound of the shock wave—provided the event occurs close enough to be heard.
08
How are impact craters formed?
When a large meteorite strikes the Earth’s surface, its kinetic energy is converted into heat and a shock wave, forming an impact crater.
09
What would happen if a large meteorite hit Earth today?
The impact of a body larger than 1 km in diameter would cause severe environmental and societal consequences on a global scale. A meteorite about 10 km in diameter could trigger mass extinction, similar to the event associated with the extinction of the dinosaurs approximately 66 million years ago.
"Campo Del Cielo" Meteorite
This extraordinary 32kg iron meteorite originates from Campo del Cielo, a vast meteorite field in Argentina that dates back over 4,000 years. First documented by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, the meteorites from this site are fragments of an ancient asteroid that entered Earth’s atmosphere thousands of years ago, creating a spectacular impact event. Rich in iron and nickel, these space-born relics offer a rare glimpse into the building blocks of our solar system.
The displayed sample showcases the characteristic fusion crust formed during its fiery descent through Earth’s atmosphere. Its metallic composition and unique crystalline structure, shaped by millions of years of cosmic travel, provide invaluable insights into planetary formation and the origins of our universe. Today, Campo del Cielo meteorites continue to be studied by scientists to understand asteroid composition and impact dynamics, making this specimen both a historical treasure and a key to unlocking cosmic mysteries.
