From outer space to Mexico Did you know that we can see real meteorites in CDMX? Just like you read it! You can even see one that is older than the Sun. Take note and go see them.
According to estimates by researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Manchester, taken up by the UNAM Global website, every year more than 17 thousand meteorites fall on Earth, most of which are very small.
However, throughout history, large meteorites have fallen in Mexico. They are basically rocks composed of different materials. Unlike meteors, meteorites do not disintegrate when they fall, but rather impact the ground. Check out where you can see them in person.
Where to see real meteorites in CDMX?
There are at least two places in CDMX where meteorites are exhibited.
Mining Palace
Since 1893 we can see a collection of four meteorites in the Palacio de Minería ( Tacuba 5, Centro Histórico). They are mainly made of iron and nickel. They are called El Morito, Zacatecas, Chupaderos I and Chupaderos II.
UNAM Global details that these last two were found in Chihuahua. They weigh more than 14,000 and 6,000 kilos respectively. In the case of the Zacatecas meteorite, it was discovered after the Conquest. It weighs 780 kilos.
They were transported from Chihuahua to Mexico City by railroad. They arrived at what used to be the Buenavista station.
Museum of Geology
In this Mexico City museum you will not only see dinosaurs and fossils, they also exhibit meteorites! In fact, here you will see the Allende meteorite, which fell on February 8, 1969.
It is considered the most studied meteorite in history, since it is 4,468 million years old. It is older than the Sun itself and has helped us learn more about the universe and our solar system.
The Museum of the Institute of Geology of the UNAM is located at Jaime Torres Bodet 176, Santa María la Ribera.