Claxton meteorite

Claxton[1] is an L6 chondrite meteorite that fell to earth on December 10, 1984 in Georgia, United States. It is the only known meteorite to directly strike a mailbox.[2]

Claxton
TypeChondrite
ClassOrdinary chondrite
GroupL6
CountryUnited States of America
RegionGeorgia
Coordinates32°09′N 81°54′W[1]
Observed fallYes
Fall dateDecember 10, 1984
Found dateDecember 9, 1984
TKW1.46 kg

Mailbox strike

According to the eyewitness account of Claxton, Georgia resident Don Richardson, the meteorite struck his neighbor's mailbox about 36 metres (118 ft) from his position.[3] The rear of the mailbox was crushed and the mailbox was knocked to the ground. A collector bought the mailbox from the homeowner and sold it to the Macovich Collection where it is valued at $60,000–$80,000.[4]

Classification

It is an ordinary chondrite type L6 with a light grey interior containing chondrules and free iron.[4]

See also

References

  1. Meteoritical Bulletin Database: Claxton
  2. "Claxton Meteorite". New England Meteoritical Services. October 2000. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  3. Meteoritics, Vol. 20, 1985
  4. "Bonhams : Historic Meteorites and Related Americana".
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