Loading AI tools
Martian meteorite found in Antarctica From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Allan Hills 77005 (also known as Allan Hills A77005, ALHA77005, ALH77005 and ALH-77005[1][5]) is a Martian meteorite that was found in the Allan Hills of Antarctica in 1977 by a Japanese National Institute of Polar Research mission team[7] and ANSMET.[8] Like other members of the group of SNCs (shergottite, nakhlite, chassignite), ALH-77005 is thought to be from Mars.[9]
Allan Hills 77005 | |
---|---|
Type | Achondrite (unique)[1][2] |
Clan | Martian meteorite |
Composition | ~55% olivine, ~35% pyroxene, ~8% maskelynite and ~2% opaques[3] |
Shock stage | S6[4] |
Weathering grade | A[1] |
Country | Antarctica |
Region | Allan Hills |
Coordinates | 76°43′00″S 159°40′00″E[1] |
Observed fall | No[1] |
Found date | 29 December 1977 (Japanese National Institute of Polar Research mission)[5][6] |
TKW | 482.5 g[1] |
Related media on Wikimedia Commons |
On discovery, the mass of ALH-77005 was 482.5 g (1.064 lb). Initial geological examination determined that the meteorite was composed of ~55% olivine, ~35% pyroxene, ~8% maskelynite and ~2% opaques.[3]
In March 2019, researchers reported the possibility of biosignatures in this Martian meteorite based on its microtexture and morphology as detected with optical microscopy and FTIR-ATR microscopy, and on the detection of mineralized organic compounds,[5][7][10] suggesting that microbial life could have existed on the planet Mars.[7] More broadly, and as a result of their studies, the researchers suggest Solar System materials should be carefully studied to determine whether there may be signs of microbial forms within other space rocks as well.[7]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.