Eichstädt

The Eichstädt meteorite is an H chondrite that fell near Breitenfurt in Bavaria in 1785. The stone displays the typical features of this meteorite class with fine granular texture and originated from space.

In the winter of 1785, a farm worker witnessed the meteorite entering the atmosphere and striking a brick shed. The discovery was subsequently examined by scientists who divided it into several pieces for study.

The meteorite became part of local history in the Eichstätt region after falling from the sky centuries ago. Today, the fragments in museums around the world remind visitors of this singular event and how it captured scientific attention.

The original meteorite fragments are not displayed at a single location, as they were distributed to various museums worldwide. Those interested in viewing such specimens can see pieces at several major natural history museums.

Only about one-fifth of the original mass remains today, as larger portions were lost or destroyed over time. A schoolteacher was among the first to scientifically examine and document the find.