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Chelyabinsk Meteorite


Chelyabinsk Meteorite

This is a fragment of the Chelyabinsk Meteorite which fell on 15 Feb. 2013 near Chelyabinsk, Russia. This meteor fall was widely seen and photographed as it fell after sunrise when the population was already up and about. It grew bright enough to outshine the sun, cast shadows, and then detonated. The airburst detonation was estimated at 500 kilotons of TNT and the resulting shockwave caused significant damage in the city (e.g. broken windows). At least one large piece fell into a frozen lake. Many smaller pieces like this one showered the countryside.

This small sample weighs 12 grams, and is mildly attracted to a strong magnet as it reportedly contains about 10% iron. The interior shows the stony characteristic of what is classified as an ordinary chondrite, with a black fusion crust formed by melting during the fall.

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