Premium
Fall, recovery, and characterization of the Novato L6 chondrite breccia
Author(s) -
Jenniskens Peter,
Rubin Alan E.,
Yin QingZhu,
Sears Derek W. G.,
Sandford Scott A.,
Zolensky Michael E.,
Krot Alexander N.,
Blair Leigh,
Kane Darci,
Utas Jason,
Verish Robert,
Friedrich Jon M.,
Wimpenny Josh,
Eppich Gary R.,
Ziegler Karen,
Verosub Kenneth L.,
Rowland Douglas J.,
Albers Jim,
Gural Peter S.,
Grigsby Bryant,
Fries Marc D.,
Matson Robert,
Johnston Malcolm,
Silber Elizabeth,
Brown Peter,
Yamakawa Akane,
Sanborn Matthew E.,
Laubenstein Matthias,
Welten Kees C.,
Nishiizumi Kunihiko,
Meier Matthias M. M.,
Busemann Henner,
Clay Patricia,
Caffee Marc W.,
SchmittKopplin Phillipe,
Hertkorn Norbert,
Glavin Daniel P.,
Callahan Michael P.,
Dworkin Jason P.,
Wu Qinghao,
Zare Richard N.,
Grady Monica,
Verchovsky Sasha,
Emel'Yanenko Vacheslav,
Naroenkov Sergey,
Clark David L.,
Girten Beverly,
Worden Peter S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
meteoritics and planetary science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.09
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1945-5100
pISSN - 1086-9379
DOI - 10.1111/maps.12323
Subject(s) - chondrite , meteorite , meteoroid , breccia , geology , parent body , asteroid , radiogenic nuclide , geochemistry , ordinary chondrite , astrobiology , mantle (geology) , physics
The Novato L6 chondrite fragmental breccia fell in California on 17 October 2012, and was recovered after the Cameras for Allsky Meteor Surveillance ( CAMS ) project determined the meteor's trajectory between 95 and 46 km altitude. The final fragmentation from 42 to 22 km altitude was exceptionally well documented by digital photographs. The first sample was recovered before rain hit the area. First results from a consortium study of the meteorite's characterization, cosmogenic and radiogenic nuclides, origin, and conditions of the fall are presented. Some meteorites did not retain fusion crust and show evidence of spallation. Before entry, the meteoroid was 35 ± 5 cm in diameter (mass 80 ± 35 kg) with a cosmic‐ray exposure age of 9 ± 1 Ma, if it had a one‐stage exposure history. A two‐stage exposure history is more likely, with lower shielding in the last few Ma. Thermoluminescence data suggest a collision event within the last ∼0.1 Ma. Novato probably belonged to the class of shocked L chondrites that have a common shock age of 470 Ma, based on the U,Th‐He age of 420 ± 220 Ma. The measured orbits of Novato, Jesenice, and Innisfree are consistent with a proposed origin of these shocked L chondrites in the Gefion asteroid family, perhaps directly via the 5:2 mean‐motion resonance with Jupiter. Novato experienced a stronger compaction than did other L6 chondrites of shock‐stage S4. Despite this, a freshly broken surface shows a wide range of organic compounds.