The Orconuma meteorite is a meteorite that was discovered in the Philippines, and it is one of six meteorites from the Philippines listed in the Meteoritical Society's Bulletin database.[1] The meteorite is thought to have formed about 4.6 billion years ago.

Orconuma meteorite
TypeChondrite
ClassH3-4
Shock stageS2
Weathering gradeW1
CountryPhilippines
RegionOriental Mindoro
Coordinates12°38′53″N 121°31′19″E / 12.64806°N 121.52194°E / 12.64806; 121.52194
Observed fallYes
Fall dateMarch 7, 2011
TKW7.8 kilograms (17 lb)

History

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The Orconuma meteorite fell to Earth on March 7, 2011, in Orconuma, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.[2] It was discovered by three farmers, Fredo Manzano, Edgar Francisco Sr., and Enrico Camacho, Jr., who found the meteorite in the middle of a field.[3]

The three farmers initially hid and stored the specimen before publicizing their discovery in 2019.[4] Collectors John Higgins and Jasper Spencer would purchase the specimen after it was confirmed to be a meteorite.[3] On July 8, 2022, Higgins and Spencer would donate a piece of the metoerite to the National Museum of the Philippines[5]

Classification

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The Orconuma meteorite is classified as an H3-4 chondrite. This classification indicates that it is a type of stony meteorite that is rich in olivine and pyroxene, and it originated from the asteroid belt. The H3-4 classification also suggests that it underwent minimal thermal metamorphism on its parent body.[6]

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References

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  1. ^ "Orconuma meteorite, ibinigay na sa pangangalaga ng National Museum". National Museum. July 12, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  2. ^ "KMJS has the backstory on the Orconuma Meteorite recently added to the National Museum's geological collection". GMA News Online. July 14, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Slice of Life: Philippine museum displays piece of rare Orconuma meteorite". Explained PH. October 12, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  4. ^ "KMJS has the backstory on the Orconuma Meteorite recently added to the National Museum's geological collection". GMA News. July 14, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  5. ^ "National Museum adds Orconuma meteorite to geological collection". GMA News. July 11, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  6. ^ "Meteoritical Bulletin Database". Meteorological society. Retrieved March 8, 2024.