The Hoba Meteorite
Type: Meteorite, Historical interest
Time needed:
1 Hour(s)
to
3 Hour(s)
The Hoba Meteorite is the largest meteorite in the world, as well as the biggest piece of naturally occurring iron on the Earth's surface. Weighing over 60 tonnes, scientists have estimated the age of the meteorite to be between 190 and 410 million years. Found on a farm near to Grootfontein the meteorite is thought to have landed on Earth over 80 000 years ago. The meteorite is 2.7 by 2.7 by 0.9 metres and is unusual as it is flat on both sides and is made up of a combination of 84% iron, 16% nickel and traces of cobalt. The meteorite was declared a National Monument in 1955 in an attempt to curb the high levels of vandalism that were occurring. The vandalism has now ceased and the meteorite is now visited by thousands of tourists each year.
