Sikhote-Alin Meteorite in Lucite Pyramid. Iron, IIAB. Maritime Territory, Siberia, Russia - (46°09'36"N, 134° 39'12"E)...

Description

Sikhote-Alin Meteorite in Lucite Pyramid
Iron, IIAB
Maritime Territory, Siberia, Russia - (46°09'36"N, 134° 39'12"E)
Witnessed Fall: February 12, 1947, 10:30 am local time

While the spectacular Chelyabinsk fall of 2013 became the best-documented meteorite event in history, the Sikhote-Alin fall of 1947, also in Russia, was the largest in recorded history. A multitude of masses of various sizes, shapes, and varieties pummeled the remote landscape of Eastern Siberia. A number of the meteorites were examples of "shrapnel," which exploded at lower altitudes and displayed angular features reminiscent of bomb fragments, hence the term. This Lucite creation showcasing a suspended piece of Sikhote-Alin "shrapnel," and dubbed the "Space Pyramid" for obvious reasons, was an original design by Geoff Notkin. The items were very difficult to manufacture due to the nature of having to carefully suspend the meteorite in the hardening Lucite without scratching the pyramid or trapping air bubbles, such that only a limited number of the pieces were produced. In fact, only about 30 of the Sikhote-Alin "shrapnel" variety were made. Of the 30, this was the prototype test piece and a favorite of Notkin, who ordered it as proof of concept from the Lucite company. He was so pleased he kept this prototype on his desk at Aerolite Meteorites for many years. The relatively flat specimen suspended inside the Lucite tower, with a height of some 4.5 inches (11.4 cm), displays a larger surface area, sharp edges, and exceptional shape. The pyramid's tip is only slightly imperfect, and the bottom shows minimal expected scratches from use.
Measurements: 4.52 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches (11.47 x 8.30 x 8.30 cm), weighs 330.8 grams

Provenance: The Geoff Notkin Collection



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