The Hoba meteorite is notable for being the largest known meteorite on Earth, with a mass of about 60 tons. Discovered in Namibia, it is an iron meteorite that offers valuable insights into the composition and behaviour of large meteoroids. It is preserved at its discovery site and serves as a significant scientific and cultural landmark.

1. 1. Discovery

• • • Location: The Hoba meteorite was discovered in 1920 in the Namib Desert of Namibia, Africa.
    • Finders: It was found by a farmer named Jacobus Hermanus Brits, who initially thought it was a large piece of iron ore.

 

1. 2. Physical Characteristics

• • • Size and Weight: The Hoba meteorite weighs approximately 60 tons (54 metric tonnes) and measures about 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) in length, 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) in width, and 0.9 meters (3 feet) in height.
    • Composition: It is classified as an iron meteorite, primarily composed of iron and nickel. It contains significant amounts of nickel (around 8%) and a variety of other trace elements.

 

1. 3. Scientific Significance

• • • Composition Study: The Hoba meteorite provides valuable information about the composition of metallic meteorites and the processes involved in their formation.
    • Impact Evidence: Unlike many meteorites that create craters upon impact, the Hoba meteorite did not produce a crater, likely due to its low velocity when it impacted the Earth’s surface. Its size and impact characteristics help scientists study the dynamics of large meteorite impacts.

 

1. 4. Preservation and Protection

• • • Site: The Hoba meteorite is preserved in its original location, which is a protected site in Namibia. It is an important tourist attraction and scientific site.
    • Monument: The site is marked with a monument, and efforts have been made to protect and conserve the meteorite.