Willamette | |
---|---|
Type | Iron |
Structural classification | Medium octahedrite |
Group | IIIAB |
Composition | 91% Fe, 7.62% Ni, 18.6ppm Ga, 37.3ppm Ge, 4.7ppm Ir |
Country | United States |
Region | Oregon |
Coordinates | 45°22′N 122°35′W / 45.367°N 122.583°W[1] |
Observed fall | No |
Found date | Unknown |
TKW | 14,150 kilograms (15.60 short tons)[2] |
Related media on Wikimedia Commons |
The Willamette Meteorite, officially named Willamette[3] and originally known as Tomanowos by the Clackamas Chinook[4][5] Native American tribe, is an iron-nickel meteorite found in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the largest meteorite found in the United States and the sixth largest in the world.[6][7] There was no impact crater at the discovery site; researchers believe the meteorite landed in what is now Canada or Montana, and was transported as a glacial erratic to the Willamette Valley during the Missoula Floods at the end of the last Ice Age (~13,000 years ago).[8] It has long been held sacred by indigenous peoples of the Willamette Valley, including the federally recognized Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (CTGRC).
The meteorite is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, which acquired it in 1906.[7] Having been seen by an estimated 40 million people over the years, and given its striking appearance, it is among the most famous meteorites.[9][10][11] In 2005, the CTGRC sued to have the meteorite returned to their control, ultimately reaching an agreement that gave the tribe access to the meteorite while allowing the museum to keep it as long as they are exhibiting it.[10][12]
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