The Kesen meteorite fell on June 13, 1850, landing in a swamp in the outskirts of the city of Rikuzentakata, Kesen District in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

Kesen meteorite
Kesen meteorite, main mass
TypeChondrite
ClassOrdinary chondrite
GroupH4
CountryJapan
RegionRikuzentakata, Kesen District, Iwate Prefecture
Coordinates38°59′N 141°37′E / 38.983°N 141.617°E / 38.983; 141.617
Fall date1850-06-13
TKW135 kilograms (298 lb)

Classification

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It was classified as a H4-type ordinary chondrite.

Main mass

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The meteorite initially weighed 135 kilograms (298 lb), however some local residents cut off pieces for charms or souvenirs such that its current weight is 106 kilograms (234 lb). The meteorite was moved to Tokyo where it was held in the Imperial Household Museum. It is currently housed at the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo. A full-scale replica was housed at the Rikuzentakata Municipal Museum until it was lost in the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami.

See also

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