Out of this World EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

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This Earthcache is archived due to non-communication.

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Hidden : 8/14/2008
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

THE GIBEON METEORITES

Access:- Whilst this is a High Street location and the original display would have been best seen at night --- a day time visit is recommended

Description:
The largest known meteorite shower to fall to earth was over an area 350 km long and 110 km wide around Brukkaros where several fragments fell just southeast of Gibeon. The explorer J.E. Alexander recorded the occurrences of the meteorite in 1933 although they had long been known to the local Nama who hammered pieces into implements.



A total of 77 pieces have been found having almost similar chemical composition, these are believed to have initially been part of one large body over 15 tons in weight which broke up long before its individual pieces entered the earths atmosphere. The largest fragment found weighs 650 kg. The meteorites are classified as octahedrites, the most common type of iron meteorite and consist entirely of taconite and kamacite, two different crystalline phases of iron-nickel alloy, the former containing much more nickel than the latter. These two phases from alternating parallel crystal bands that are arranged in a triangular pattern refereed to as Widmanstatter structure, a characteristic feature of all octahedrites. Beside iron the meteorites contain an average of 8% nickel, 0.25% cobalt, 0.04% phosphorous, small amounts of carbon, Sulphur chromium and copper and traces of zinc gallium germanium and iridium. Between 1911 and 1913 Dr Paul Range State geologist for the German South West African Government collected 37 fragments. Several specimens have been donated to research institutions all over the world and 33 with masses ranging from 195 kg to 555 kg remain in Windhoek today.

To validate your LOG of this Earthcache you are required to answer two questions - send to Geodirect.
Q1 How many meteorite pieces are on display here?. (It is not 33)
Q2 Where is G3766

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