Meteorite Name:

Size: 1.04 × 0.82 × 0.41 inches

The Sikhote-Alin meteorite is one of the most significant meteorite falls in recorded history, occurring on February 12, 1947, in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range of Eastern Siberia, Russia. This event was characterized by a series of fireballs and loud explosions that were witnessed by many local residents.

The meteorite is classified as an iron meteorite, specifically belonging to the IIICD group, which contains a mixture of nickel-iron metal and silicate materials. The total mass of the fall is estimated at over 70 tons, making it one of the largest meteorite falls ever documented.

The surface of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite displays a unique regmaglypted morphology—a result of the intense heat generated during its passage through the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the formation of shallow depressions. The even distribution of these regmaglypts is significant for studying the meteoric process and atmospheric entry dynamics.

Fragments of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite can be found in various natural history museums and private collections worldwide. Its distinct characteristics, historical significance, and the sheer size of the fall make it a notable specimen within the field of meteoritics.

Research into the Sikhote-Alin meteorite has provided valuable insights into the solar system's formation processes and the history of celestial materials that impact Earth. The meteorite's composition includes a variety of isotopes, which have been studied to understand the timeline of solar system formation and differentiation.