Sikhote-Alin Meteorite with Soviet Academy of Sciences Label. Iron, Coarse Octahedrite - IIAB. Maritime Territory, Sib...

Description

Sikhote-Alin Meteorite with Soviet Academy of Sciences Label
Iron, Coarse Octahedrite - IIAB
Maritime Territory, Siberia, Russia (46°09'36"N, 134° 39'12"E)
Witnessed Fall: 12 February 1947 10:30 am local time

One the most frightening of natural phenomena occurred at 10:30am on February 12, 1947 when the Sikhote Alin Mountains in eastern Siberia played host to the largest meteorite shower since the dawn of civilization. This meteorite slammed into the atmosphere at a cosmic velocity of 10-20 miles/second, where it experienced frictional heating and was sculpted by some of the hottest naturally occurring temperatures known (more than 10,000° F...hotter than the surface of the sun). Sikhote-Alin meteorites of this smaller size and intact character are rare, and the monumental forces exerted on this meteorite as it rocketed to Earth are evident. The aerodynamic markers of regmaglypts (thumbprints) are conspicuous and completely cover the exterior of the meteorite. Wrapped in a pewter-hued patina with charcoal accents, this complete individual meteorite is an aesthetic souvenir of the most terrifying meteorite shower of modern times. The meteorite features accession number "0098" purportedly from the "Soviet Academy of Sciences" indicating rich provenance along with specimen labels from two private collections.
Overall Measurements: 1.9 x 1.5 x 1.2 inches (4.8 x 3.9 x 3.2 cm), weighs 119 gm (0.26 oz.)

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