In every Interstellar Vanguard Limited Edition Mission Kit
About the Campo del Cielo Meteorite
The Campo del Cielo meteorite, located in present-day Argentina, represents a significant event in both terrestrial and cosmic history. First documented by Spanish explorers in 1576, its discovery was rooted in reports from indigenous peoples who were familiar with its existence long before European contact. The name "Campo del Cielo" translates to "Field of the Sky," a testament to its extraterrestrial origin. This site encompasses a strewn field of iron meteorites, scattered over an area of approximately 18.5 by 3 kilometers, where over 100 metric tons of fragments have been recovered, making it one of the most substantial meteorite showers by mass on Earth.
The meteorite shower is estimated to have occurred between 4,000 and
5,800 years ago, embedding numerous fragments into the Earth's
surface and creating at least 26 craters, the largest of which
measures 115 by 91 meters. The most significant fragments recovered
from this site, the Gancedo and El Chaco meteorites, weigh 30.8 and
28.8 metric tons, respectively, and are among the heaviest meteorites
ever found. To put this into perspective, a fully loaded 18-wheeler
semi-truck weighs about the same as the El Chaco rock!
As seen in the Composition Table to the right. The composition of
the Campo del Cielo meteorites is primarily iron with significant
nickel content, which is characteristic of iron meteorites. Another
notable element that appears in the typical meteorite sample is
Iridium which is one of the rarest elements on Earth. Additionally,
the structure of the meteorite fragments, especially seen in larger
samples, exhibit octahedrite characteristics which reveals intricate
Widmanstätten patterns when cut and polished. These patterns occur
in meteorites due to the long cooling time in the interior of the
parent asteroid.
Historical accounts, including those from missionaries and early explorers, provide insight into the meteorite's impact on local and scientific communities. One such account from a missionary in the late 16th century described the indigenous peoples' reverence for the iron they collected from the site, which they worked into tools and weapons. The missionary noted, "They showed us a mass of metal which they revered as a gift from the heavens." This historical perspective underscores the meteorite's significance not only as a scientific curiosity but also as a cultural artifact.
In the centuries that followed its initial documentation, the Campo del Cielo meteorite has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. These investigations have aimed to understand not only the meteorite's origins and composition but also the circumstances of its impact and the processes that led to the distribution of its fragments across such a wide area.
The Campo del Cielo meteorite remains a focal point of scientific inquiry and a symbol of the enduring human fascination with the cosmos. Its study provides valuable insights into the solar system's history and the dynamic processes that shape our planetary environment.
Care Instructions
Your fragment of the Campo del Cielo meteorite is a piece of cosmic history, and with proper care, it can be preserved for generations to come. Here are some guidelines to ensure its longevity:
Handling: Always handle your meteorite fragment with clean, dry hands. If you have sensitive skin or allergies to metals, consider wearing gloves to avoid irritation.
Preservation: Store your meteorite in a dry environment to prevent rust and corrosion. Excessive handling can accelerate degradation, so we recommend minimal direct contact.
Safety: Be mindful of sharp edges that may be present on your fragment. Also, keep it out of reach of children to avoid choking hazards.
Meteorite Authenticity
We understand the importance of authenticity in owning a piece of the cosmos. That's why every fragment of the Campo del Cielo meteorite included in our Interstellar Vanguard Limited Edition Mission Kit comes directly from a reputable U.S.-based collector. This collector has provided a certificate of authenticity for each fragment, ensuring that your piece of the universe is genuine.
View Certificate of Authenticity Embark on a journey through time and space with your own fragment of the Campo del Cielo meteorite. This piece is not just a rare collectible but a fragment of the cosmos itself, offering a tangible connection to the vast universe and its ancient mysteries.