A Record-Breaking Find
In 1920, a farmer named Jacobus Hermanus Brits was plowing his field in Grootfontein, Namibia. His plow struck something hard, but it wasn’t a rock. Upon investigation, Brits uncovered what turned out to be the largest single meteorite ever found on Earth.
The Heaviest Meteorite
Weighing an estimated 60 tons, the Hoba meteorite is a massive chunk of iron and nickel. Scientists believe it fell to Earth around 80,000 years ago. Unlike most meteorites, it wasn’t buried deep underground. The flat terrain and its unusually smooth surface likely kept it close to the surface.
No Crater, No Problem
Oddly enough, the Hoba meteorite left no impact crater when it struck. Researchers theorize that the meteorite’s flat shape slowed it down as it entered the atmosphere, reducing its impact force.
Preserved in Place
To this day, the Hoba meteorite remains exactly where it was found, now serving as a popular tourist attraction in Namibia, surrounded by a simple platform to allow visitors easy access to view this immense object.
The 80,000-Year-Old Meteorite Hidden Beneath a Farmer’s Field 🪨
1/4: A Record-Breaking Find
In 1920, a farmer named Jacobus Hermanus Brits was plowing his field in Grootfontein, Namibia. His plow struck something hard, but it wasn’t a rock. Upon investigation, Brits uncovered… pic.twitter.com/OXrIUjcBwU— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TBBOB2) September 18, 2024