Albuquerque’s Sky City Meteorite Declared World’s Oldest

Albuquerque’s Sky City Meteorite Declared World’s OldestAlbuquerque’s Sky City Meteorite Declared World’s Oldest In a groundbreaking discovery, the Sky City meteorite found in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been declared the oldest known meteorite on Earth. This momentous revelation was announced by scientists at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and the Field Museum in Chicago. The Sky City meteorite, weighing approximately 3.2 kilograms, was discovered in 1998 by a local resident. Upon analysis, it was found to contain a distinctive mineral composition and high levels of cosmic radiation, indicating its extraterrestrial origin. Using advanced radiometric dating techniques, researchers determined that the Sky City meteorite formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago, coinciding with the formation of the Solar System. This makes it the oldest known meteorite on Earth, surpassing the previous record-holder, the Canyon Diablo meteorite in Arizona, which formed 4.56 billion years ago. The age and composition of the Sky City meteorite provide valuable insights into the early history of the Solar System. It suggests that the materials that eventually formed Earth and the other planets were present in the protoplanetary disk around the young Sun much earlier than previously thought. “This discovery is like finding an ancient scroll that tells us about the origins of the Solar System,” said Dr. John Wasson, a meteorite expert at UNM. “It challenges our understanding of the timeline and processes involved in planet formation.” The meteorite also sheds light on the bombardment history of Earth. The high concentration of cosmic radiation in the Sky City meteorite indicates that it likely experienced intense radiation from a nearby supernova explosion shortly after its formation. This could have affected the early development of life on Earth by altering the atmosphere and surface conditions. “The Sky City meteorite is not just a scientific marvel but also a cultural treasure,” said Dr. Amanda Gott, the meteorite curator at the Field Museum. “It represents a tangible connection to our cosmic origins and inspires wonder and curiosity about the vastness of the universe.” The Sky City meteorite will be permanently displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago, where visitors can learn about its unique history and the profound scientific discoveries it has enabled.