Reviews
1.27" Ksar Ghilane 022 Meteorite (32.18 g) - Possibly From Phobos!
This is a very exciting, new meteorite find of a currently ungrouped Achondrite meteorite known as Ksar Ghilane 022. This stone is 1.27" wide and weighs 32.18 grams with some signs of the original fusion crust still visible. hat makes this so exciting is that there is currently a paper awaiting publication which proposes that the origin of this meteorite is Phobos, the largest moon of Mars!
About Ksar Ghilane 002
Ksar Ghilane 002 was found in Tatawin, Tunisia in 2023. It has a granite-like appearance and a very unique composition among Achondrites containing magnesium-rich clinopyroxenite with sulphite spheres. Initially there was questions about whether it truly was a meteorite until individual stones including the main mass were found bearing a distinctive fusion crust. There was a total of 50 kg of material found from this fall including a 25 kg main mass and many smaller stones.
Recent analyses of the mineral composition suggest that KG 022 may originate from Phobos, Mars' largest moon. If confirmed, this would represent the first known meteorite from Phobos, offering unprecedented insights into its composition and the broader Martian system. A forthcoming scientific paper is expected to detail these findings, potentially marking a significant milestone in planetary science. This paper is expected to be unveiled at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in March, 2025.
A photo of Phobos taken by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2008. Large asteroid impacts that could have ejected Ksar Ghilane 002 can be seen.
Ksar Ghilane 002 was found in Tatawin, Tunisia in 2023. It has a granite-like appearance and a very unique composition among Achondrites containing magnesium-rich clinopyroxenite with sulphite spheres. Initially there was questions about whether it truly was a meteorite until individual stones including the main mass were found bearing a distinctive fusion crust. There was a total of 50 kg of material found from this fall including a 25 kg main mass and many smaller stones.
Recent analyses of the mineral composition suggest that KG 022 may originate from Phobos, Mars' largest moon. If confirmed, this would represent the first known meteorite from Phobos, offering unprecedented insights into its composition and the broader Martian system. A forthcoming scientific paper is expected to detail these findings, potentially marking a significant milestone in planetary science. This paper is expected to be unveiled at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in March, 2025.
A photo of Phobos taken by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2008. Large asteroid impacts that could have ejected Ksar Ghilane 002 can be seen.
$1,795
TYPE
Ungrouped Achondrite
AGE
LOCATION
Tatawin, Tunisia
SIZE
1.27 x 1.18 x .97", 32.18 grams
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#315430
