NWA 2988 FROM THE ASTEROID VESTA

Lot 50
06.04.2022 14:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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£ 756
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 737539
Lot 50 | NWA 2988 FROM THE ASTEROID VESTA
Estimate value
£ 1 500 – 2 500
A fresh eucrite with black glass shock melt injection veins. The edge shows a partially weathered fusion crust.

This slice originates from a 4.6 kilogram mass which, prior to cutting, was one of the larger eucrites on Earth. It originated on or near the surface of the second largest asteroid in the solar system, Vesta (diameter 525 km). Scientists believe eucrites came from Vesta because it is the only large asteroid with a basalt-covered surface. Spectroscopic analysis and further data transmitted from NASA’s Dawn spacecraft, which orbited Vesta in 2011-12 supports the conclusion of Vestan origin. The delivery mechanism to Earth was the result of another asteroid having slammed into Vesta, launching material off its surface into interplanetary space, eventually finding its way into an Earth-crossing orbit.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.
150 mm x 122 mm x 5 mm
147g.
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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23.03.2022 – 06.04.2022
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