The Hoba meteorite: 60 tons, 80 percent iron
Located in the southern African nation of Namibia, the Hoba meteorite holds the distinction of being the largest known single-piece meteorite on Earth.
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The Hoba region, near the town of Grootfontein in northern Namibia, is home to one of the best-preserved celestial bodies to have ever fallen to Earth.
Known as the "largest single-piece meteorite on Earth," the Hoba meteorite is among the region's most significant tourist attractions.
DISCOVERED IN 1920
Jonathan, a Namibian guide at the Hoba Meteorite Heritage Site, stated that the Hoba meteorite, which holds the title of the largest known single-piece meteorite on the planet, is estimated to have fallen to Earth 80 thousand years ago.
Jonathan, who did not provide his surname, noted that the meteorite was discovered by chance in 1920 by a German-descended Namibian farmer named Jacobus Hermanus Brits while he was plowing his field.
Explaining that the object was identified as a meteorite after a piece taken from it was tested, Jonathan recounted that the stone was named "Hoba" by Brits, which means "I found it" in the local language.
Jonathan noted that a half-meter section of the meteorite is buried underground.
Stating that the stone is approximately 3 meters wide and 3 meters long, with a height of nearly 1 meter, Jonathan said, "The stone weighs approximately 60 tons. This is equal to the weight of three male elephants."
Reporting that the stone is composed of three main components—iron, nickel, and cobalt—Jonathan shared the information, "It consists of 80 percent iron, 16 percent nickel, and 0.76 percent cobalt."
Jonathan also pointed out that the meteorite contains small amounts of other elements such as zinc, lithium, barium, and carbon, adding, "But it does not contain gold or diamonds. Not at all."
PLACED UNDER PROTECTION
Stating that the Hoba meteorite maintains a constant temperature due to its composition, Jonathan said, "Also, if you climb onto the stone, stand right in the middle, and say something, you will notice that your voice echoes."
Jonathan also mentioned that it is believed the meteorite maintained its integrity because it did not fall vertically to Earth, but rather fell horizontally, like a stone skipped across water.
However, noting that the stone was damaged years ago by people camping there, Jonathan recorded that it was subsequently fenced off and placed under protection following that incident.