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Draft:Pampanga meteorite

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  • Comment: May be notable, but needs more sources Ozzie10aaaa (talk) 13:46, 14 March 2025 (UTC)

The Pampanga meteorite is a meteorite that was discovered in Mexico, Pampanga. It is one of the most significant meteorites documented in the Philippines. Its fall was the first recorded meteorite event in the country during the Spanish Colonial period.[1]

History

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The meteorite fell about 3.2 kilometers from the Santa Monica Parish Church in Mexico, Pampanga on April 5, 1859. Historical accounts indicate that Spanish officials observed and documented the meteorite's fall, contributing to its significance as the first documented meteorite event in the Philippines.[2]

Fragment display

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On February 22, 2025, a fragment of the Pampanga meteorite and the Paitan meteorite was officially unveiled for public viewing in Pasig City. The Philippine Meteorite Repatriation Team organized this event with the Manila Street Astronomers and the Philippine Astronomical Society. The unveiling aimed to share this rare specimen with the public and highlight the importance of preserving astronomical artifacts.[3]

Classification

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The meteorite, weighing approximately 10.5 kilograms, is categorized as an L5 chondrite, a type of stony meteorite which is composed primarily of silicate minerals. Meteorites of this classification are essential to understanding the early solar system and the processes that shaped the planets. The fall of this meteorite and its subsequent study offer significant scientific insights into planetary formation and the composition of cosmic matter.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Flora, Ian Ocampo (2025-02-23). "Pampanga meteorite back in Ph". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  2. ^ "Pampanga meteorite - Astronomy News". astronomy.activeboard.com. 2014-04-04. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
  3. ^ Macababbad, E. J. "2 meteorites returned to Philippines". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  4. ^ "Meteoritical Bulletin: Entry for Pampanga". www.lpi.usra.edu. Archived from the original on 2024-08-01. Retrieved 2025-02-25.