campo del cielo meteorites
The Campo del Cielo meteorites are a group of iron meteorites that fell to Earth in present-day Argentina approximately 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. The impact created a field of craters stretching across 18.5 kilometers, with the largest crater measuring 115 meters in diameter. The meteorites, composed mainly of iron and nickel, are known for their distinctive Widmanstätten patterns, which are visible when a polished and etched surface reveals intricate crystalline structures. They are believed to be 4.5 billion years old and may have came from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The Campo del Cielo meteorites have been studied extensively by scientists, providing valuable insights into the early solar system. The largest known meteorite from this field, nicknamed "El Chaco," weighs over 37 tons and is one of the largest meteorites ever discovered. These celestial objects continue to fascinate both scientists and collectors alike, offering a tangible connection to the cosmos and the history of our planet.