“A PRISTINE REMNANT OF THE EARLY SOLAR SYSTEM” 1

1. Science Magazine, Lucky Strike, Joshua Sokol, 2020.

The Aguas Zarcas meteorite and the doghouse it fell through

The most incredible story of a modern-day impact, created by one of the most important meteorites known to science. The ‘la Esmeralda’ Aguas Zarcas CM2 chondrite meteorite and associated doghouse is a matchless display in the field of Natural History.

On the 23rd April 2019 at 9:07 pm in the Central Costa Rican town of Aguas Zarcas, a giant fireball was captured on CCTV, dash cameras and mobile phones. The meteorite shower that ensued is arguably the most scientifically important in recorded history.

Many fragments of pristine fresh carbonaceous chondrites were recovered within hours, allowing their precious contents to be preserved for scientific enquiry. The meteorite was subsequently classified as a CM2, making it the most significant fall since the legendary Murchison event of 1969, and in many ways more important even than that.

CM chondrites are rich in carbon and are among the most chemically primitive of all meteorites. Like other CM chondrites, Aguas Zarcas contains abundant calciumaluminium-rich inclusions and amino acids, some of the basic components of life.