Rare Sahara Meteorite Reveals Evidence of a Lost Moon-Sized World
A rare meteorite discovered in the Sahara Desert, known as Northwest Africa (NWA) 12774, has provided the first definitive evidence of a “lost world” that existed 4.5 billion years ago. Analysis by University of Colorado Boulder geoscientists suggests this ancient protoplanet, roughly the size of the Moon, was destroyed in the chaotic early stages of our solar system, leaving behind rare volcanic fragments that are now reshaping our understanding of planetary formation.
What are Angrite meteorites and why are they rare?
Angrites are among the oldest volcanic rocks in the solar system, acting as chemical time capsules from the dawn of planetary history. According to research published by Aaron Bell and his team, these meteorites are exceptionally scarce; out of more than 80,000 meteorites recovered on Earth, only 68 have been classified as angrites. Their unique composition—notably a severe lack of silica—sets them apart from the materials that formed Earth and Mars.
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Most meteorites found on Earth come from relatively small asteroids. NWA 12774 is anomalous because its mineral structure requires pressures 17 times greater than the bottom of the Mariana Trench, proving it originated from a much larger, planetary-sized body.
How did scientists identify this “lost” protoplanet?
The breakthrough came from analyzing clinopyroxene crystals within the NWA 12774 meteorite. By examining the structural integrity of these crystals, scientists determined they formed under intense pressure exceeding 17.5 kilobars. Because these crystals lack the signs of prolonged heat exposure expected in a deep planetary core, researchers concluded they formed at relatively shallow depths. This physical evidence points to a parent body with a radius of approximately 1,800 kilometers—a size comparable to the Moon.
What does this mean for the future of space exploration?
The discovery of NWA 12774 suggests that the early solar system was a graveyard of “lost worlds” that were pulverized during violent collisions. As these protoplanets were destroyed, their debris became the building blocks for the planets we recognize today. Future research is likely to shift toward “meteorite forensics,” where scientists revisit museum collections to identify samples from other hidden, long-vanished worlds that have been sitting in storage for decades.
If you are interested in planetary science, follow the Lunar and Planetary Institute updates. They frequently document new classifications of meteorites that challenge established models of solar system evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a protoplanet? A protoplanet is a large, moon-sized body that forms during the early stages of a star system’s development, often colliding with other bodies to form larger planets.
- Why is NWA 12774 different from Earth rocks? It contains significantly less silica, the primary component of Earth’s crust, indicating it formed in a different chemical environment than our home planet.
- Could there be more lost worlds? Yes. Researchers like Aaron Bell believe many meteorites currently in private and public collections have not been fully analyzed and may contain evidence of other early solar system objects.
Have you ever wondered what other secrets are hidden in the meteorites we have already found? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on space discoveries.