El Chaco, Iron meteorite in Campo del Cielo, Argentina.
El Chaco is an iron meteorite weighing about 29 tons that fell to Earth and rests in a crater field in northern Argentina. The impact area contains approximately 26 distinct craters scattered across the region.
Spanish explorers first documented this meteorite field in 1576 after learning about iron deposits from local residents. Knowledge of these cosmic objects had long existed among the people who lived in the region.
The meteorite site is part of a nature reserve that honors both the geological wonder and the indigenous traditions of the region. Local communities connect this place to their heritage and their relationship with the landscape.
An interpretation center at the site displays hundreds of meteorite specimens and offers educational programs to visitors. Access to the meteorite field is straightforward, allowing visitors to view the craters and the main specimen.
This meteorite is composed of approximately 93 percent iron and 7 percent other metals, making it one of the largest metallic space objects on Earth. Its composition makes it an exceptionally valuable resource for scientific study.
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