Ancient Martian Meteorite Found in Sahara Dates Back 4.1 Billion Years
NASA has identified a meteorite from Mars, named Teghaza 001, as one of the oldest ever found, dating back 4.1 billion years.
MALI, Oct 31: A meteorite discovered in the Sahara Desert, named Teghaza 001, has been confirmed as a nearly two-pound piece of Mars that formed over 4.1 billion years ago, according to a NASA study. Found in Mali in 2022, Teghaza 001 is one of the oldest Martian meteorites known to exist on Earth.
NASA researchers said Teghaza 001 represents a rare and ancient sample of Martian crust, providing valuable information about the planet’s early environment. ‘This meteorite is really unique,’ said Yang Liu, the lead author of the study from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. One paper reviewer even referred to it as ‘a Rosetta Stone for Mars.’
The age-dating process revealed that the meteorite formed from cooling magma and underwent alterations due to water more than 4.1 billion years ago. This suggests that early Mars may have had a more dynamic water cycle than previously understood.
Teghaza 001’s distinct mineral composition, including volcanic minerals and zircon crystals, matches observations made by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. ‘This is really our first piece of Martian crust from a part of Mars we’ve never had a sample of before,’ stated co-author Lee Saper of NASA’s Ames Research Center.
Researchers noted that Teghaza 001 is one of approximately 435 known Martian meteorites, each blasted into space from Mars’ surface by large impacts over millions of years. Identifying this meteorite’s origin involves matching its chemical composition with data from NASA’s Mars missions.
Future studies on Teghaza 001 will aim to expand understanding of Mars’ geological history, including how water influenced its surface. Liu and her team stressed the need for further exploration to unlock more mysteries about Mars.
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Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.