Old Woman meteorite

Old Woman meteorite

Old Woman Meteorite.
Group IIAB
Country United States
Region Old Woman Mountains, California
Observed fall No
Found date 1975

The Old Woman Meteorite is the largest meteorite found in California and the second largest in the United States. It was discovered in the Old Woman Mountains in southern California in late 1975.[1] It is 38 inches (970 mm) long, 34 inches (860 mm) high, and 30 inches (760 mm) wide. The meteorite is mostly composed of iron, but also contains nickel (about 6%), as well as small amounts of chromium, cobalt, phosphorus, and sulfur.

It was put on display in the Smithsonian Institution from 1978 to 1980, and now resides in the Desert Discovery Center in Barstow, California. It originally weighed 6,070 pounds (2,750 kg)), but has since had a 942 pounds (427 kg) slice removed for scientific study. A United States Marine Corps team helped remove the meteorite from the mountains using a helicopter and cargo net.

It was discovered by 3 miners who then staked a legal claim. The claim was disputed by the government which said the claim did not apply to a meteorite, and after a lengthy court battle the meteor was taken by the Bureau of Land Management, a part of the U.S. Government.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Old Woman Meteorite". Barstow Field Office. Bureau of Land Management. 2007-04-27. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  2. ↑ http://www.dustyway.com/2007/10/battle-for-old-woman-meteorite.html

Coordinates: 34°34′50.33″N 115°13′39.1″W / 34.5806472°N 115.227528°W / 34.5806472; -115.227528

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